KINGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines — Twenty hot pepper farmers in St Vincent and the Grenadines have received solar-powered irrigation packages through a partnership between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, as efforts continue to increase production and strengthen market access.

The equipment was handed over at VincyFresh Ltd’s compound at Diamond Industrial Estate as part of a hot pepper value chain pilot programme launched in 2024.

Each package includes a solar-powered pump and panel, plastic mulch, drip lines, water tanks and other components for a fertigation system, which delivers water and nutrients to crops together. Farmers are also expected to receive water-soluble fertilisers and hot pepper seedlings before the end of October.

Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce said the phased rollout was designed to ensure that increased production would not exceed market demand, potentially creating a glut and driving down prices.

He praised farmers for their resilience and said he looked forward to further discussions with industry stakeholders on developing the sector. Bruce also pointed to memoranda of understanding signed by the ministry to open new trading opportunities for hot pepper farmers in the United States.

FAO Trade and Markets Officer Juan Cheaz said the intervention combines technology, training and agricultural inputs with efforts to develop markets for the crop.

“This handover reflects a holistic approach that puts appropriate technology in the hands of farmers alongside the training and inputs they need to grow,” Cheaz said.

“As we strengthen production, we also have to keep an eye on the market side, making sure farmers are positioned to meet the growing demand for hot pepper, both locally and in export markets.”

The equipment distribution builds on training delivered by FAO hot pepper specialist Luke Lee, who worked with farmers, extension officers and plant nursery care workers.

The sessions covered land preparation, seedling management, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation, post-harvest handling and the installation of fertigation systems.

In July, FAO also provided hot pepper monitoring kits to the Ministry of Agriculture to help extension officers identify pests and diseases earlier and respond to emerging threats before they cause significant crop losses.

The initiative has also introduced imported hot pepper seeds intended to improve the genetic diversity and heat profile of locally grown varieties. The seeds were propagated at the Orange Hill and Dumbarton agriculture stations after being imported from Trinidad.

According to the project information, the seeds achieved a high germination rate. Twelve beneficiary farmers have planted during the first round, and five have already harvested.

Leeward farmer Ashford Charles, who participated in the training and received inputs, said the practical sessions had helped improve his production.

“The training and practical sessions were very beneficial to my hot pepper production,” Charles said, highlighting the usefulness of fertigation and the venturi system for delivering water and nutrients to his crops.

He also credited the recommended plant spacing with helping him achieve good yields and harvest quality peppers.

Osborne Miller, who began cultivating hot peppers after participating in the training and receiving inputs, said the programme helped him move into a crop he had not previously grown.

“I had grown sweet peppers before, but I had never grown hot peppers until this training,” Miller said. “The sessions were very beneficial, and the information and techniques I learned were really useful as I got started with hot pepper production.”

The project forms part of FAO’s work with the ministry under its initiative to build effective public-private partnerships for the production and marketing of sustainable agricultural products.

By combining irrigation equipment, planting material, technical training and support for market access, the programme aims to improve the productivity and consistency of hot pepper supplies while helping farmers respond to demand at home and in export markets.