Nevis Adding Cotton to Economic Base

2009-08-24 13:19:29 by

A cooperative has been established in Nevis to look after the interest of the Sea Island cotton farmers. Director of Agriculture Keithley Amory explained that the establishment of the Nevis Sea Island Cotton Co-operative Society Ltd (NESICOPS) was part of the Nevis Island Administration's plan to diversify the economy and refocus on a crop that had a lucrative market and a willing buyer.

According to Caribbean360, "'This move was due in part to a renewed interest in farming by young enterprising persons, the increase in price that was being offered for this crop and the need for Nevis to have once again an export crop to generate foreign exchange for the country,' he said.

"'To complement the diversification process, the department undertook to revive and form new co-operatives to ensure that the diversification process was successful and specifically the refocus on Sea Island cotton production.'"

Among the objectives of NESICOPS are to promote the social and economic interest of members in accordance with cooperative principals; assist members to improve their cotton production; and encourage and assist in conducting educational programmes, designed to stimulate a favourable interest in cooperatives and cotton production.

Read more about this development to strengthen the Nevis economy at Caribbean360.com.