NASSAU, BAHAMAS – During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Jomo Campbell, expressed a strong interest in initiating rice production on the Family Islands, emphasizing its significance as a staple in the Bahamian diet and its potential to reduce food imports.
Minister Campbell welcomed Ambassador Yan during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s One Montague headquarters, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and exploring technical support between the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Accompanying Minister Campbell were Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell, Director of Agriculture Deon Gibson, and Director of Marine Resources Gregory Bethel.
The discussions included ongoing technical support at the Gladstone Road Agriculture Center (GRAC), scholarship opportunities, and a proposed pilot project aimed at producing agricultural products on the Family Islands, such as rice and sea cucumber.
“We are extremely interested in expanding our production to include rice cultivation. We want to start rice production as soon as possible because rice is a staple in our Bahamian diet. Almost every Sunday, rice is part of our meals, and it is one of the highest-imported foods. Targeting this will make a significant impact,” said Minister Campbell.
He continued, “We need to identify which islands are best suited for growing rice. Another island may be more suitable for growing other fruits and vegetables.”
Ambassador Yan responded, “China would be eager to assist The Bahamas with rice production, as rice cultivation is highly developed in China, especially in Hunan Province. We could send one or two experts to help you determine how to proceed.”
Director Bethel highlighted that developing the aquaculture industry, particularly in sea cucumber farming, is a key component of the government’s food security policy and its Blue Economy strategy.
“The Department of Marine Resources continues to explore sea cucumber as a valuable marine resource,” Director Bethel said. “We believe it’s in our best interest to establish a pilot program as a model for the potential development and commercialization of the aquaculture and mariculture sectors. There’s been significant interest in sea cucumber.”
Minister Campbell emphasized the importance of sea cucumber research and rice cultivation to the Ministry. “These are initiatives that resonate with many Bahamians,” he said.
In conclusion, Minister Campbell expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Yan for China’s recent donation of four tractors with repair parts, the erection of three grow houses at GRAC, and the continued support provided to the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Minister Campbell also extended an invitation to Ambassador Yan and her team to visit some of the Family Islands as the technical teams work on establishing the proposed pilot program.
Loading ...
