Minister Samal Duggins gives update on agriculture sector in quarterly press briefing 

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Samal Duggins, has outlined a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening food security, expanding agricultural production and supporting fishers in St Kitts and Nevis. 

Speaking at the government’s first-quarter press conference in Basseterre on Tuesday, he shared detailed progress across several departments, including marine resources, agriculture and medical cannabis regulation.

The theme of the event was “Transforming Possibility. Delivering More”, which highlights the Ministry’s efforts towards enhancing progress in strengthening production, supporting farmers, and advancing food security in St Kitts and Nevis.

During the press conference, he mentioned the initiatives taken for three agencies of St. Kitts and Nevis including the Department of Marine Resources, Department of Agriculture St. Kitts and the SKN Medical Cannabis Authority.

The Department of Marine Resources has introduced a series of measures including insurance coverage extended to fishers and farmers. To manage sargassum impacts they worked on strengthening the capacity and improving the safety for fisheries and operational readiness. Through the FAD deployment ministry expanded the fishing opportunities, also through strategic partnership they advanced marine conservation in the region.

Moreover, in the Department of Agriculture St. Kitts administration expanded the poultry production, in which 11,000+ chicks were distributed and exported to St. Maarten. They also work towards strengthening food security and expanding support for farmers. Decisive steps were taken for sustainable farming in St. Kitts and Nevis.

In the Department of SKN Medical Cannabis Authority the administration focuses on the idea that cannabis should be responsibly introduced in the island to ensure the protection of the public and island economy. Some of the prominent steps towards the department include launch of Medicinal Cannabis Special Permit Programme, implementation of Rastafari Rights Recognition Act.

Additionally, Samal Duggins mentioned the island participated in the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit 2026 to strengthen international partnership, through Annual Review Meeting, they improved planning and coordination between administration and department. He said, to support farmers directly effective steps were taken such as training, outreach and access to essential inputs.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources noted that the ministry’s focus is clear in building momentum, expanding opportunities for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Anthony Morris

Reporter at SKN News | [email protected] |  + postsBio ⮌

Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.