Fifty Suriname farmers to become pepper seed exporters

(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Fifty farmers from the District of Para will export pepper seeds next year as a result of the ‘Chili Pepper’ project. The Development of Rural Communities Foundation (SORG) initiated the pilot in close cooperation with the Inter-American Institute for  Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture (LVV). Loes Trustful with SORG tells dWT that the demand abroad for organic pepper is big. ‘In Suriname, chili pepper is not cultivated on a commercial scale, but is rather a wild growth in mainly the coastal area. The farmers have promised assistance because they want more out of this project than has been done so far.’ The project will start with chili pepper seeds, the Surinamese varieties being the Adjuma, Madame Jeanet and Alata Pepre.  The Center for Agricultural Research Suriname (CELOS) supports the project by developing quality seeds, ‘so we could have our own Surinamese chili pepper.’ The 50 farmers will cultivate at least a quarter of a hectare assisted by CELOS and IICA. Trustful says to have chosen Para for the pilot for practical reasons. ‘The convenient arrangement and guidance have helped in choosing a close location.’ Stanley Oosthuizen with IICA says currently farmers are receiving training in organic agriculture. Next month they will be trained in seed production while planning is to commence cultivation by the end of April or early May. Farmers will receive constant support and guidance during their certification process. The certification has to do with organic agriculture. For export the seeds need to meet minimal requirements, including dry and safe storage. Only if certification is achieved a test export shipment to Europe will take place. SORG will partly cover the costs for the project with a contribution from the farmers, who already have land and workers available. The UNDP has allocated a grant of US$ 29,000 to cover initial costs, including greenhouses, tools and capacity training. After the pilot the project will be introduced in the Districts of Brokopondo, Commewijne and Marowijne.