Posted: Thursday, November 14, 2024. 9:04 am CST.
MAFSE Citrus Adviser Hugh O’Brien at Caves Branch orchard where new orange and grapefruit varieties are being grown – Photo Credit: MAFSE
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Nestled along the scenic Hummingbird Highway in the Stann Creek District, in the lush heart of Belize, a beacon of hope for the citrus industry emerges at an orange orchard in Caves Branch, where promising new citrus varieties are being tried.
“The orchard features four new orange varieties and two new grapefruit varieties tolerant to citrus greening, with a couple of them standing out due to their high productivity, as evidenced by their abundant fruit yield at just 5 years of age,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) said in a statement on social media.
“At least two of the new varieties have shown remarkable growth and fruit production, surpassing the other varieties.”
A visit by MAFSE, led by Adviser Hugh O’Brien and technical personnel from the Ministry, highlighted the orchard’s potential to support the revival of Belize’s citrus industry.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the vision articulated by Minister of Health Kevin Bernard in his recent speech on Tuesday at the House of Representatives. Minister Bernard proposed an amendment, which was passed that same day, to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act. The amendment aims to elevate major pest and disease outbreaks to the status of national disasters.
Oranges at Caves Branch orchard where new orange and grapefruit varieties are being grown – Photo Credit: MAFSE
According to Bernard, the proposed changes reflect the government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of Belizean farmers and ensuring the resilience of the nation’s agriculture sector against future outbreaks. By recognizing agricultural pest and disease emergencies as national disasters, Belize aims to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities, safeguarding the economic stability and food security of the country.
The developments at the Caves Branch orchard exemplify the food security drive by the Ministry of Agriculture. By introducing disease-tolerant varieties and focusing on high productivity, the orchard not only promises a brighter future for Belize’s citrus industry but also serves as a model for other agricultural sectors.
With the varieties being trialed at Caves Branch delivering high and resistant yields, the promise of a thriving citrus industry in Belize seems more attainable than ever. The collaboration between the Ministry and local farmers, guided by the forward-thinking policies in the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, is paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Belize’s citrus industry.
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The post Reviving Belize’s Citrus Industry: New varieties show promise at Caves Branch orchard appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, November 14, 2024. 9:04 am CST. MAFSE Citrus Adviser Hugh O’Brien at Caves Branch orchard where new orange and grapefruit varieties are being grown
The post Reviving Belize’s Citrus Industry: New varieties show promise at Caves Branch orchard appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
