Catherine Hob – Page 9

Field Day Demonstration of Pitahaya

A field day on the demonstration of pitahaya (dragon fruit) production methods was held today at La Gracia, Cayo District. The event took place at Mrs. Elma Orellana’s farm; Mrs. Orellana is known for cultivating pitahaya using an agro-ecological approach, which involves minimal pesticide usage, the utilization of fence posts, and the application of organic fertilizers.

The event was attended by participants from Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo, and Cayo District. In addition to the farmers, technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) were also present. The facilitator of the event was Mr. Barry Palacio, who serves as the fruit tree coordinator in the Ministry of Agriculture.

The activities of the field day encompassed both an overview presentation of pitahaya production and a guided tour of the actual cultivation fields. This allowed attendees to gain insights into the techniques and practices utilized by Mrs. Elma Orellana in her successful pitahaya farming venture. The focus on agro-ecological methods, such as limited pesticide use and organic fertilizers, highlights the sustainable and environmentally conscious approach taken in this production process. This event provided a valuable opportunity for farmers and technical experts to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding pitahaya cultivation, which can contribute to the enhancement of the local agricultural sector.

Spanish Lookout Credit Union Grand Opening Ceremony

A grand opening ceremony was held today for the Spanish Lookout Credit Union (SLCU) in Spanish Lookout. The grand opening of this financial institution is a significant event for the community of Spanish Lookout which aims to provide a wide range of financial services to meet the needs of the community, including micro-enterprises, commerce, consumer banking, agricultural financing, housing loans, and educational support.

For over five decades, the Farmers’ Trading Center (FTC) had been the primary financial service provider for the community. However, as the businesses and the community grew, there was an increasing demand for more comprehensive financial services. The establishment of SLCU now offers the community a more functional and flexible option for conducting financial transactions.

SLCU’s mission is to not only provide services similar to FTC but to also enhance the range and quality of financial products and services offered. This includes a commitment to providing excellent customer service, competitive interest rates, and various benefits for its members and the broader community.

The presence of Minister Jose Abelardo Mai at the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of this event for the local community. His participation in the ribbon-cutting ceremony underscores the government’s support for this new financial institution.

A tour of the SLCU building was also provided to the guests with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the facilities and services offered by the credit union. The Grand Opening ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in financial services for Spanish Lookout, promising improved access and options for its residents and businesses.

Establishment a standing Vegetable Interdiction Team

To combat the issue of contraband in the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise has established a standing Vegetable Interdiction Team (VIT) comprising officials from various government departments and agencies.

The VIT includes representatives from the ministry’s Extension Service and Supplies Control Unit, the Customs Department, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, and the Mobile Interdiction Team of the Police Department.

On July 24, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture; Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry, and members of the VIT held a meeting with farmers and producers from the districts of Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in the Orange Walk District. During the meeting, concerns were raised about the increase in contraband activities, the presence of illegal vegetables and fruits in local markets, and the challenges farmers face in selling their products due to the competition with contraband items.

The VIT pledged to intensify collaborative efforts and increase the frequency and effectiveness of its operations. As a result of the increased surveillance and monitoring, the VIT has confiscated a significant quantity of contraband vegetables, including 1,278 pounds of cabbage, 2,253 pounds of onions, 983 pounds of tomatoes, 86 pounds of habanero peppers and 130 pounds of sweet peppers, valued at $16,190.40.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise reminds the public that acquiring illegally obtained vegetable products may result in the confiscation of such products and imposition of fines. The VIT will continue its heightened frequency of actions to ensure Belizean products are protected, and the ministry assures its unwavering support for farmers as they relentlessly work to ensure the food security of the nation.

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May be an image of fruit, chard, collard greens and prickly pear

Sheep and Goat Production and Management Training

A very productive and informative workshop was held today for 35 farmers from the Toledo district. The workshop focused on various aspects of sheep and goat production and management, as well as culinary practices related to lamb and mutton along the value chain. The workshop was hosted by the Toledo Agriculture Department and facilitated by the Central Farm Livestock unit.

The training covered both theoretical and practical sessions from traceability, nutrition, health, silage preparation and femacha demonstration. These types of training enable farmers to understand the best practices for raising these animals effectively, providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge, and hands-on experience to implement the techniques as well enhance their productivity and economic prospects.

Gales Point Farms Visit

Technical Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture were out today visiting farmers from Gales Point. The purpose of the visit was to understand the ground realities and challenges faced by farmers. The technical visit helped to create an effective solution and provide appropriate support to farmers.

During the visit, a comprehensive assessment of the farms and farmers was conducted. The assessment was conducted based on their needs, access to resources, technology, markets, and training.

These initiatives conducted, fosters a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers, enabling the implementation of targeted interventions to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and the overall livelihoods of the farming community in Gales Point.

Gardening Training for Youth Cadets

30 youth cadets from the Belmopan police formation participated in the gardening training at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan.

The training ensured that the participants gain a comprehensive understanding of gardening practices. By providing a hands-on experience, the training enabled the youth cadets to develop practical skills that they can apply in various agricultural settings.

Facilitating the training was Extension Officer Abimael Puck who provided valuable information and guidance on best practices.

The training session not only imparted important agricultural knowledge but also empowered the youth cadets to become more self-reliant and potentially opens up opportunities for them to contribute positively to the agriculture sector in their communities. Such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering interest in gardening and farming among the younger generation.

Distribution of Agricultural Package to Sembrando Vida Recipients

Agricultural packages were distributed in Stann Creek and Corozal District for recipients of Sembrando Vida. The Sembrando Vida project is a joint initiative between the Governments of Mexico and Belize, established on May 7th, 2022, during the visit of the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Its main objective is to promote socio-economic development and cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector. The project consists of three main components:

Economic Package: This component provides recipients with $2,000 BZ (Belize dollars) over the duration of the 8-month project. The financial support aims to assist small farmers and individuals involved in agriculture, enabling them to invest in their farming activities and improve their livelihoods.

Agriculture Package: The agriculture package includes essential resources such as seeds, fertilizers, tools, fruit trees, and forest trees. By distributing these resources, the project aims to enhance agricultural productivity in the regions of Stann Creek and Corozal District. This support will likely contribute to increasing crop yields, diversifying agricultural production, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Capacity Building/Training Component: Another critical aspect of the Sembrando Vida project is the focus on capacity building and training for the participants. The recipients will receive training and educational opportunities related to various aspects of agriculture. This knowledge transfer will help them acquire new skills, techniques, and knowledge to improve their farming practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s impact.

The bi-lateral and technical cooperation between Belize and Mexico in areas of mutual interest, particularly in agriculture, strengthens the ties between the two nations. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, both countries can leverage each other’s strengths and experiences to create a more robust agricultural sector and boost socio-economic development in the region.

Bio-fertilizer Demonstration Training

A bio-fertilizer demonstration training was held for farmers of Trinidad and San Lazaro through the project Sembrando Vida. The training is an essential step in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers in the Trinidad and San Lazaro area of the Orange Walk District. By providing farmers with the necessary knowledge and resources, this outreach program can have a positive impact on agricultural practices in the region.

The distribution of packages to farmers indicates that the program aim is for farmers to effectively learn and implement the techniques for preparing bio-fertilizer. This session will ensure that farmers understand the process thoroughly and use this method to enhance soil fertility and plant health while reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment. By teaching farmers how to create their own bio-fertilizers, the program empowers them to become self-sufficient and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices in the long run. May be an image of 8 people May be an image of 12 people

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Belize Agriculture and Health Authority conducted proper Field and Packing Shed Inspections

With proper inspections and collaboration, Belize’s papaya industry has the potential to regain its former status as a significant player in the global papaya market. Personnel from the Belize Agriculture and Health Authority conducted a proper field and packing shed inspections at Golden Produce Company Limited in Indian Creek, Orange Walk.

The team was composed by the Managing Director of the Belize Agriculture Health Authority, Mrs. Zoe Zetina, accompanied by the Deputy Director of Plant Health at BAHA, Mr. Kenrick Witty, and Chairman of the Board of Director, Hugh O’Brien.

In 2023, Belize is expected to record at least a 25% increase in papaya exports, and in 2024, production is expected to double. In the early 2000, export of papayas from Belize surpassed $40 million, and with the withdrawal of J.R. Brooks and Fruta Bomba from Corozal and Belize in 2016, papaya exports have dwindled to a trickle.

BAHA personnel are required to inspect the preparation, treatment and packaging of papayas for export to the US, and it was good to know that the two (2) BAHA technicians who inspect the operations and Golden Produce Company have an excellent working relationship.

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Signing of Memorandum of Understanding

To combat the threat posed by Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 on banana and plantain crops and other diseases in Belize, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in Belmopan with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), the International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the University of Belize (UB), the Banana Growers Association (BGA), and the Republic of China Taiwan ICDF, in the following key areas:

Development of Tissue Culture Technology: The University of Belize laboratory will receive assistance to develop tissue culture technology for propagating disease-resistant varieties of bananas and plantains. This technology will enable the mass production of disease-resistant plantlets, helping to replace infected plants and minimize the spread of Foc TR4.

Expansion of Satellite Surveillance Program: The Banana Growers Association (BGA) will be supported in enhancing their Satellite Surveillance Program. Utilizing satellite imagery, this program will monitor banana plantations, allowing for early detection of any discolorations or changes that may indicate the presence of the disease. Early warning systems will be essential for prompt action to prevent or control the spread of Foc TR4.

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Equipment Donation: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) will receive a donation of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to strengthen their capacity for early disease diagnosis within the Musaceae family, including bananas and plantains. This will enable field-level sample processing and swift and accurate disease identification, allowing for timely intervention.

Apart from addressing Fusarium wilt TR4, an addendum to the Belize Livestock Registry – Trazar-Agro MOU has also been signed, extending its life, and adding more activities. The addendum includes the traceability of Sheep and Goats, Honey, Swine, and Poultry, in addition to the existing activities. The traceability platform, under the ownership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) and supported by the Inter-American Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), facilitates monitoring the national herd, flock, or stock of products, aiding in decision-making, disease control, management, and trade facilitation with other countries.

Additionally, an MOU for non-intrusive quarantine inspection services at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has been signed, with an Addendum further strengthening the quarantine inspection process. This involves using X-Ray machines at the arrival lounge to detect and prevent the introduction of pests and risky agricultural products like vegetables, meat, and meat products. The introduction of a maintenance fee for this service aims to ensure its financial sustainability and enhance Belize Agricultural Health Authority’s (BAHA) capability to detect unwanted goods that could pose risks to the agricultural sector.

The participation of various organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, BAHA, OIRSA, UB, the BGA, and the Republic of China Taiwan ICDF,

indicates a coordinated and well-supported effort to protect Belize’s agricultural sector from potential disease incursions.