TTM and Ministry of Agriculture Introduce Seedless Watermelons Under Seven Crops Project

Seedless Watermelon Introduced to Boost Food Security and Cut Imports Under Seven Crops Project 

In a strategic move to strengthen Saint Lucia’s food security and reduce the national food import bill, the Taiwanese Technical Mission, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, has introduced a new variety of seedless watermelon as part of the second phase of the Seven Crops Project, officially known as the Enhancement of the Efficiency of Production and Distribution Supply Chains in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector.

The initiative seeks to diversify local crop production and build resilience within the agriculture sector, particularly in response to global supply chain disruptions and rising import costs.

As part of the rollout, four targeted training sessions were recently conducted for 30 local watermelon farmers across the island. These sessions formed part of a broader experimental effort to successfully cultivate and adapt the seedless watermelon variety to Saint Lucian conditions.

The capacity-building sessions focused on critical agricultural techniques such as hydro priming, seed preparation, pruning, and effective pollination methods—skills deemed essential for the successful adoption of the new crop. Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, H.E. Nicole Su, emphasized the importance of improving the quality and market value of local watermelons by introducing seedless varieties to the island.

“Watermelon is one of the seven crops that we been working on and it is one which is well loved by a local consumers as well as tourist from abroad. In order to improve this quality and enhance it’s value upon the request of the ministry of agriculture, we are introducing this new variety of watermelon, which is seedless. This type of watermelon is very popular in Asia as well as in Europe and the US because of its convenience to eat without the seeds and of course, because it is much juicier and sweeter.” 

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Alfred P. Prospere, emphasizes that the seedless watermelon variety not only offers potential for higher market value but also aligns with national efforts to reduce dependency on imported fruits.

“Today, im happy to be here today because the seven crops program funded by the government and people of Taiwan is really helping us achieve a reduction in our food import bill. But I was happy that we reduced the imports by 24% for the seven crops program. But I believe we have to do more.” 

The Taiwanese Technical Mission continues to be a key partner in advancing agricultural innovation on the island. Stakeholders remain optimistic that the new seedless watermelon variety will soon become a mainstay in Saint Lucian farms and markets.

This latest effort under the Seven Crops Project reinforces the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local food systems, improving farmer livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the island.