By Saskia Warrick
At the launch of the 18th Caribbean Agriculture Week, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the critical need for regional partnerships and collective actions to drive agricultural transformation.
The event, themed ‘Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future,’ highlighted the sector’s evolution towards enhancing production and ensuring food security across Caribbean nations.
Minister Mustapha emphasized Guyana’s leadership in these efforts while acknowledging the region’s vulnerability to climate change impacts.
He called for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, stressing their role in bolstering resilience against environmental challenges.
In his capacity as Chairman of CARICOM’s Ministerial taskforce on food production, Mustapha outlined ongoing initiatives, including efforts to introduce a regional insurance product tailored to support farmers facing unforeseen challenges.
The 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, slated for October 7-11, 2024, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will serve as a platform to further these objectives.
Activities during the week will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable farming practices aimed at securing a resilient agricultural future for the Caribbean region.