MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE,
FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

AGRONOMYand SOILS

Historical Perspective
During the early 1980’s, the introduction of institutions to St. Lucia like CARDI, the French Mission, and IICA conducting research, it is  therefore not necessary for theMinistry to conduct research. As a result the  Ministry’s Agronomy unit is used primarily to provide technical support in the areas  of diagnostics and other laboratory services. They provide recommendations on pest control  strategies e.g. chemicals, crop rotation, use of tolerant varieties; Conduct analysis of nutritional status of soil and the development of technical packages.

 1974:

Introduction of thirteen cassava cultivars,  some sweet potato, two dwarf  pigeon peas cultivars, and jumbo cashew nuts from Trinidad.
Promotion of Integrated Pest Management
Introduction of minisette techniques for yam
Introduction of sweet potato germplasm (Mandela A 26/7)
Introduction of Soya bean and winged bean cultivars (Plenty Canada)
Use of sophisticated insect trapping devices (e.g. pheromone traps) against insect nets.
Introduction of Brazilian lines of dwarf cashew cultivars via the Arid Lands Development Project
Introduction of giant and dwarf plantain germplasm
Establishment of fruit tree crop – avocado, mango, and citrus using elite mango varieties in the Tree Crop Project
Introduction of swampland rice cultivation
Introduction of exotic fruit germplasm from Taiwan – Carambola, guava, jujuba, papaya, wax apple and passion fruit

  1989 - 1994:

 Introduction of Scotch Bonnet hot pepper for production for the export market
Introduction of yam germplasm – 2  cultivars from Barbados, 6 from Guadeloupe
Introduction of small equipment for mechanical land preparation
Introduction of germplasm for dwarf breadfruit and golden apple, pineapple (Antigua Black), passion fruit (LIOPRO PROJECT)
Introduction of modified fruit pickers.

  1991: Transformation of the Division with the transfer of the agronomist to the Extension Division to execute the technology adaptation and transfer programmes. The Agronomy unit of the Research and Development ceased to exist.

  1996 : Agronomy Unit was created again with the Soils Unit incorporated into it. The allied agencies no longer in the forefront of research.

  1994 - 1999: Introduction of orchid, anthuriums and fresh herb cultivars for domestic market. Development of technical packages for herbs, cut-flowers, and dasheen

Future Direction
  The ability to carry out research and trial with funding.
  The ability to provide a high quality service which is economically viable
  Increased involvement in the agronomic development of agriculture