The Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) and the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) are undergoing training to help speed up the growth of the agriculture sector.

Secretary of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries Hayden Spencer said his Division is partnering with the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour and the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment to deliver the training. CEPEP and URP fall under those respective Divisions.

A technical committee has also been set up to guide the URP in their agricultural activities, as well as site selection for crops, production practices and marketing.

“We continue to assist them in the areas of training generally, [particularly] in the areas of crop production, livestock, agro processing and value chain development,” Spencer explained at Wednesday’s (July 18) post Executive Council media briefing.

“So far the Division would have issued to the URP 1,000 cassava sticks, which they would have planted. So we are guiding them in areas of crop selection for both short term, medium term and long term production.”

The Secretary also pointed out that the Food Production Division continues to provide support for farmers and the fishing community, including technical advice.

He said the Food Crop Production Unit has reported an increase in ruminant animal production (specifically goats, sheep and rabbits), as well as poultry.