Banana farmers have called for government assistance following the devastation caused by Category Four Hurricane Beryl, which resulted in considerable damage to banana and plantain farms. Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere has pledged to support the impacted farmers. Despite the inability to fully assess the damage immediately, it is clear that the storm has severely affected the banana and plantain crops, particularly in the Mabouya Valley. Prospere, who has visited the affected areas, noted that these crops are more vulnerable to strong winds compared to other crops.
The minister recalled the government's ongoing efforts to support the banana industry, including the provision of banana boxes and fertilizers. The recent storm's impact, although significant, was not as catastrophic as the damage caused by Tropical Storm Bret the previous year, which destroyed over seventy-five percent of the island's banana and plantain crops.
Prospere emphasized the importance of the banana industry, which comprises 400 to 500 farmers, to Saint Lucia's economy and highlighted the challenges of farming within a hurricane belt. The government has allocated $600,000 for crop insurance in this year's budget and is negotiating with insurance companies to secure better terms for farmers. Prospere also expressed hope for regional collaboration on the insurance initiative, noting that Saint Lucia, Antigua, and Guyana have shown interest.
Source: stluciatimes.com