By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Basseterre, St. Kitts) - From the cultivation of sugar cane for over 300 years to small scale subsistence farming, agriculture has been part and parcel of the livelihood of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis before and after independence.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations to mark the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis’ independence, which was attained on September 19, 1983, the Ministry of Agriculture is hosting a national agricultural exhibition from September 11-13 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

The venue for the exhibition is Warner Park where the following specific areas will be utilized: western mound (Cricket facility); player’s dining room; football facility; Carnival Village; lawn tennis courts.

The theme for the exhibition is “Agriculture! 25 years of productivity. Agriculture! Food basket for national sustainability.”

Mr. Jerome Thomas, Chairman of the 2008 National Agricultural Exhibition, said that the aim of the exhibition is to showcase the achievements of agriculture and fisheries to national development during the first 25 years of Independence and to highlight opportunities for the next 25 years. According to him, the exhibition will also showcase linkages with tourism, agro-processing as well as craft and furniture.

Mr. Thomas highlighted that the exhibition layout will be spread over a wide area and displayed in zones to include the following areas of focus: crops, livestock, fisheries, farmers, ornamental plants, flower arrangers exhibition, art and craft, agro-processing, tourism, history of sugar industry, furniture, co-operatives, high schools, allied agencies, kids zone and food court.

Some special activities will be the highlights of each day.

On Friday September 12, there is a cultural extravaganza at 4:30 pm. On Saturday September 13, there is a 25/25 cricket match between St. Kitts and Nevis at 11:00 am and a dog show at 4:30 pm.

Mr. Thomas said that his vision of agriculture in the Federation is to move away from being labour-intensive and to use the tools of modern technology.

I am quite pleased with the cooperation from the various stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries and all who have contributed to the hosting of the exhibition, Mr. Thomas said.

Mr. Thomas encouraged the general public to come out and support the exhibition and agriculture in our Federation. He issued a special invitation to students who will be admitted free in their uniforms on school days.

Cable and Wireless donated $10, 000 to the Agricultural exhibition while TDC donated $12,000. The Government of St.Kitts and Nevis has given $180,000 to the hosting of the Agricultural Exhibition.