EDITORIAL - Agricultural boost needed

 

Over the last few years as Barbadians have sought to weather the economic storms that have come our way, people have been looking for alternatives to earn a living and make ends meet, and many have turned to agriculture.
 
Some individuals have started planting crops around their homes to reduce their food bills; others have started raising chickens, pigs, and even sheep for the same purpose; while others have pursued it more on a commercial scale, helping to provide these products at a reduced costs to fellow Barbadians. 
 
Increasingly, what was frowned upon as a job for persons who could not excel academically is now being embraced, and this is commendable. But we feel more support is needed from the powers that be, as these efforts by ordinary Barbadians, if they become more large scale, have the potential to help reduce our all-too-high food import bill.
 
In this respect we are not only referring to governmental support, but support from the private sector as well, in particular the various banking and lending institutions. Too often it has been said that the agricultural sector is not able to access much needed financing from the banks and lending institutions, and this must come to an end if Barbadians in that sector are to make a profit, be able to meaningfully contribute to the economy and provide employment. 
 
Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, has long been an advocate for this and while he was pleased earlier this year that one bank offered a million dollar loan to help bolster the beef and dairy industry, he continues to call for all commercial banks and lending institutions to step up to the plate.
 
It is not that we do not recognise that the nature of the agricultural sector makes it susceptible to various threats which can make financing institutions wary; but we are also cognisant of the good agriculture can do and feel that it is imperative that they evaluate such loans on their own merit and not on the criteria used with respect to normal commercial loans. The reality is that if farmers can have access to more financing and at favourable interest rates, it would go a long way towards helping them not only meet the country’s food needs, but assist in bringing the country’s massive food import bill down.
 
Now Government is short on cash, and they cannot be expected to do everything, so others must take the lead for the betterment of the country. However, wherever Government can afford, they should lead by example and make funds available to facilitate the expansion in the sector. Perhaps Government can also offer some type of incentive to entice lenders to be more willing to aid the farming community.
 
So, as we fast approach the end of the year and look to usher in a new one, it would serve Barbados well to see more persons getting involved in agriculture. Efforts must be made to change any remaining negative impressions that such work is menial, and it is time that Barbadians really start to embrace the sector and move it to the next level. 
 
Agriculture has long moved from just planting crops and raising livestock, and one way to see advancement in this sector is by introducing more educational opportunities in this field. We need persons trained in agriculture and they must understand that pursuing such studies does not make them lesser qualified than those who pursue more traditional courses.
 
Let us hope then that 2017 will be the year we see agriculture flourish once again in our country.
 

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