Above: Grenada Prime Minister Tillman Thomas tries out one of the new tractors (Photo: OPM Grenada)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada’s agriculture sector received a boost Tuesday thanks to the contribution of $555,555 in agricultural equipment from China.

The equipment was accepted by Grenada Prime Minister Tillman Thomas at the Chinese Agricultural Mission at LaSagesse in St David.

According to government figures, the contribution of agriculture to Grenada’s GDP has grown from 5.2 percent in 2007 to over 7 percent in 2012, growing by 15 percent overall in 2012.

Thomas used the occasion to former Agriculture Minister Michael Dennis Lett, who passed away earlier this week.

“Mr Lett gave leadership to this period of growth of agriculture in Grenada,” Thomas said. “His contribution must be recognized.”

The PM called for the Ministry to “immediately implement measures” that would enable farmers to utilize the new equipment to aid in the sector’s performance.

Chinese Ambassador to Grenada Xu Jianguo said China would continue its assistance to Grenada to “ensure the further enhancement of the sector.”

China has provided Grenada with almost $1.5 million in agricultural equipment over the past four years, the government said.

The new equipment will be based in the Mirabeau Agricultural Station for use by farmers in Grenada’s northern and eastern districts.

Thomas left shortly after the ceremony for a visit to the Lett family, joined by Cabinet members, his office said in a statement.