Marigot, Dominica – December 15, 2023
In a bid to enhance the availability of white potatoes on the island, the newly formed White Potato Cooperative has issued a call to its members and interested individuals to actively participate in the upcoming planting season. The cooperative’s president, Mrs. Ruth Augustine Guye, emphasizes the importance of early preparation to overcome challenges faced in the previous season.
Acknowledging that various factors, including unforeseen circumstances and setbacks such as a lack of machinery, led to late planting and subsequent losses for farmers, Mrs. Guye remains optimistic about the upcoming season. She encourages farmers to prepare in advance for planting from December into January, aiming to avoid the challenges of the previous year. The cooperative has taken steps to address machinery limitations, with increased availability expected through collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mrs. Guye highlights the ministry’s commitment to supporting farmers by sourcing additional machinery and providing assistance to ensure a more successful planting experience. A tiller registry has been established for farmers to schedule their tilling requirements, demonstrating a proactive approach to address challenges faced in the past.
“We want to remind farmers that there is money to be made in white potatoes, and we must ensure that we get our share of it,” adds Mrs. Guye. The cooperative envisions a prosperous season with increased yields, contributing to the economic well-being of farmers and the community.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with DEXIA and other stakeholders, has launched a pilot project for island-wide white potato planting. Significant investments have been made to support this initiative, aligning with the ministry’s overarching goal to substantially increase the contribution of agricultural products to the Gross Domestic Product by 2030.
As the planting season approaches, the White Potato Cooperative encourages unity and collaboration among farmers to achieve collective success and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in Dominica.
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