The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, held a presentation on the findings of a fertiliser and spacing experiment at the Dumbarton Agricultural Station.
The findings were presented by CARDI’s Representative to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Donawa Jackson.
The session formed part of ongoing efforts to equip farmers with research-based recommendations aimed at improving dasheen production, increasing yields, and enhancing profitability through more efficient crop management practices.
Delivering remarks at the opening of the session, Agricultural Diversification Officer (Ag), Mr. Karomo Browne, highlighted the importance of the dasheen industry as a significant source of foreign exchange earnings due to its strong international demand.
He stated that SVG saw a significant decline in production from 2020-2024, reinforcing a need to increase productivity and optimise production. The Agricultural Diversification Officer (Ag) encouraged farmers to seek value addition to diversify their income and strengthen the sector.
Senior Agricultural Officer (Ag), Extension and Advisory Services, Philbert Gould, emphasised the importance of efficient fertiliser use in the face of shifting weather conditions and rising input costs. He also highlighted the importance of conducting research that reflects the unique agroecological conditions of SVG and concluded by encouraging farmers to adopt the recommendations provided to increase yield per acre, improve corm quality, and increase farm profitability.
The research was conducted at Marfat and Montreal, two locations with similar agroecological characteristics, using the CARDI Green and Local dasheen cultivars.
The experiment evaluated four application rates of NPK (16:8:24) fertiliser alongside four different planting spacings to assess their effects on crop performance and productivity. The findings presented during the session will assist farmers with practical, science-based information to support improved decision-making and sustainable dasheen production.
SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation
