Caribbean Net News: With the help of the EU Suriname aiming to become CARICOM's top banana producer - by Ivan Cairo
With the help of the EU Suriname aiming to become CARICOM's top banana producer - by Ivan Cairo
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: The banana industry in Suriname is aiming at the number one spot as the region’s largest banana producer an official here told Caribbean Net News. Anand Ramkisoensing, manager of the Foundation for Preservation of the Suriname Banana Sector (SBBS) said that currently millions of dollars are being invested in the company to guarantee its viability and sustainability.Starting in 2002 the government and the European Union invested several millions in a restructuring program which should ultimately result in privatisation of the sector. While banana production in 2006 was 46,500 tonnes production in 2007 will increase to 60,000 tonnes, Ramkisoensing disclosed. In 2008 production and export is expected to increase further to over 70,000 tonnes. On Thursday, Suriname and the European Commission (EC) signed a contract with French contractor Eral to build a new irrigation system for the banana sector.
The European Commission is financing the new irrigation system for euro 3.6 million, while a total of euro 22 million has been allocated for the restructuring of the banana industry. Already 19 million has been contracted, said Laakso.
