Through its Ministry of Agriculture, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has successfully sustained its trend of increased food production in 2024, marking a step toward food security for the island. Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Eric Evelyn, shared impressive statistics reflecting this year’s success, particularly in watermelon production.

He was quoted as saying “Watermelon production increased by 92.5 percent when compared to 2023. It moved from 73,031 pounds to 140,610 pounds. Banana and plantain production also saw notable increases on private farms, reducing reliance on imported goods.

24 shade houses are under cultivation, producing crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, herbs, and cabbage. Shade houses now contribute approximately 50 percent of short-term crops grown on Nevis.

Farmers’ payouts at the Larinson Parry Agricultural Depot, he informed, increased by 29.8 percent in 2024, moving from $235,895 in 2023 to $306,064 this year.

He spoke on the improvements in the availability, variety, and quality of produce at the depot, bolstered by multiple organized sales throughout the year to ensure households had access to wholesome, local food.