Beryl Inflicted Over $ 7 Million In Damage To Agriculture

Hurricane Beryl’s rampage through the Caribbean left $XCD 7 million in agricultural damage in Saint Lucia, which escaped the storm’s full wrath. The banana and plantain sectors were hardest hit, highlighting the pressing need for immediate support. A preliminary assessment found an estimated $ XCD 3.4 million in banana industry losses and $2.2 million in the plantain sub-sector. Thirty-four percent of the banana industry sustained damage, compared to seventy-five percent when Tropical Storm Bret passed through Saint Lucia in June last year. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Minister Alfred Prospere provided the preliminary figures during a Thursday news conference. Prospere reported significant damage to the fisheries sector amounting to almost $700,00, especially in Soufriere, where the storm impacted twenty-six fishing vessels. He also said there was up to eighty percent damage in the sea moss sector but minimal livestock sector losses in the region of $120,000. Prospere said his Ministry was discussing crop insurance coverage with three companies to assist farmers affected by natural disasters since the government has limited resources. Despite the daunting challenges, Minister Prosperity expressed unwavering confidence in farmers’ resilience and commended their steadfast support for Saint Lucia’s food security objectives. The article Beryl Inflicted Over $ 7...