EDITORIAL: Agricultural sector facing challenges
Decades ago, the agricultural industry was the main revenue-earning sector in Barbados. Historically, this was due mainly to the fertility of the land and the high levels of productivity that were achieved through slavery. The sugar industry in Barbados has remained the longest lasting industrial sector, contributing to the revenue of the country well into the 21st century. Additionally, there are other local agricultural enterprises on a smaller scale, which can be seen mainly in the domestic markets.
However, the agricultural sector has seen a significant decline, especially during the last two decades of the 20th century. This is largely because of the impact of high production costs, risks from natural hazards and antiquated technology, as well as increased international competition as a result of globalization. These factors, among others, have made the agricultural industry in Barbados less attractive when compared to other larger and more developed markets in places such as South America where, because of the advancement of the technology, they are better able to minimise production risks, thereby producing larger quantities of product at much lower costs.
The lack of technology has also been a problem in other countries in the region. Some CARICOM states are equally dependent on their agricultural industries as revenue-earning sectors and are also facing similar issues. The main solution to this problem is to work towards minimising the risks inherent in the industry while at the same time determining measures to boost productivity. Another concern is that the industry might be slowly dying as a result of its consistent decline. The low productivity results seen in this industry when compared to the hard work necessary sometimes acts as a deterrent to young people who might otherwise have been interested in this field if there was a larger degree of success.
Main players in agricultural development including policymakers, financiers, insurance companies and most importantly, farmers play a huge role in the modern concept of agriculture and how it moves forward in this new environment as it relates to youth and technology. This was seen in Antigua in 2010 when a symposium related to agricultural matters took place. It is believed that through the meeting of these minds, great things can be achieved. By putting together the collective heads of the varied contributors to agriculture in the region, what better way can a comprehensive risk management policy be developed for the industry?
Many people may consider farming to be planting a seed into the ground and making it grow, but what about the other aspects which go into this revenue-earning sector? Also to be considered is the research that should be conducted regarding the best type of product for the region; the maximisation of each country’s topography; risk management techniques against natural hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, drought and flood; best practices in planting and harvesting that would increase production; and also marketing campaigns that would make the products recognisable and attractive on a global scale.
These are the issues faced by the farmers in today’s markets. Individually, there is a lot to be achieved, but together success is more easily attainable. Nowadays, there are farmers’ associations with mandates clearly designed to enhance agriculture in the region. Through shared knowledge and unified policies, the industry can be developed to a point where it can once again contribute to the country’s revenue, whether through foreign exchange earnings or domestic food sustainability.