ST. GEORGE’S Grenada: The Agency for Reconstruction and Development Inc. (ARD), in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, is embarking on a Land Use Survey Project in Grenada. The Survey will serve several purposes and is designed to: generate information to assist with the evaluation of agricultural land utilisation, assess the different types of crops cultivated both pre and post Hurricane Ivan, evaluate farmers intentions, plan for the cultivation of crops, investigate farming systems and coping strategies employed by farmers post Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. ARD Senior Projects Manager Robin Swaisland says the enormous post Hurricane challenges facing the sector requires new policies and strategies if agriculture is to contribute significantly to the development of the economy. In order to address these challenges, a replanting programme based primarily on the crops potential for value-added rather than primary commodity export is required, Mr. Swaisland said. The Land Utilisation Survey will ascertain whether farmers are determined to continue cultivating traditional crops or are willing to consider cultivating crops that are deemed important for the industrialisation of the agricultural sector, he explained. The development of good policies and strategies and the selection of the best options for the agricultural sector and the Country as a whole need to be based on evidence rather than hunches. This Survey will provide decision makers with the hard data they need, Mr. Swaisland said. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com