23/10/2023

Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan Technical Mission host Dragon Fruit Workshop

By Ministry Of Agriculture

The capacity of the farmers within the agriculture sector continues to be enhanced as the Ministry of Agriculture teams up with the Taiwan Technical Mission to host a Dragon Fruit Workshop.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development partnered with the Taiwan Technical Mission to conduct a Dragon Fruit Training and Cultivation Workshop, a component of the second phase of the “Enhancement of the Efficiency of the Production-Distribution Supply Chain in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector” project, commonly known as the Seven Crops Project. The workshop offered farmers the opportunity to witness the process of using cutting to establish dragon fruit trees.

Ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to Saint Lucia, H.E. Peter Chia-yen Chen, emphasized that this hands-on approach provides crucial insights into the proper techniques and best practices for cultivating this exotic fruit from initial stages to eventual harvest.

“The purpose of opening the workshop is to encourage more farmers to engage in the production of dragon fruit farming can be adapted to various climates and conditions, making it accessible to a wide range of farmers. Whether you have a small backyard or a vast area, dragon fruit can be cultivated successfully with the right techniques. By promoting the benefits of growing and consuming dragon fruit, we hope more and more Saint Lucians will enjoy its health benefits and juicy flavour. This training workshop is an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts in the field, gain hands-on experience, and network with fellow enthusiasts.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development underscored the significance of the collaboration between the two nations in advancing sustainable agriculture and enhancing the skill set of Saint Lucian farmers. Expressed gratitude to the Government of Taiwan for their unwavering support and partnership in the agriculture sector. A manual was also provided to farmers to assist them throughout their journey

“My fellow farmers, dragon fruit is one crop that has consistently attracted high prices from buyers. It is no secret that it is both highly desirable and expensive in our market. Data shows that the retail price of dragon fruit stands at $44.39 per kilogram. With its striking appearance, exotic flavour, and high market demand, this crop presents a golden opportunity for our agricultural sector. The demand for this delectable fruit is soaring, and it is our responsibility to seize this opportunity to benefit our farmers and boost our economy.”

The Dragon Fruit Workshop marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of Saint Lucian farmers and boost the agriculture sector. The partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development and the Taiwan Technical Mission demonstrates a commitment to sustainable farming practices, knowledge sharing, and the continued growth of Saint Lucia’s agricultural industry.

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