New India-Funded agro-processing facilities in SVG can handle 45,000 lbs of produce daily 

By Admin. Updated 5:28 p.m., Sunday, July 12, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has received a major boost to its agricultural sector with the official handover of a new leaf vegetable and root crop processing and packaging facility, part of a US$1 million investment by the Government of India aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural value addition.

The facility was officially handed over on Friday, 10 July, by India’s High Commissioner to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Subhash P. Gupta, during a ceremony at which he and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon. Israel Bruce, jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the project’s completion.

The initiative forms part of India’s SEEDS (Shared Efforts for Enhancing Development through South-South Cooperation) Initiative, announced during the 2023 India–CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) Ministerial Meeting by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, following the vision of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for inclusive and holistic development.

The project has upgraded agro-processing hubs at Langley Park, La Croix and Lauders, significantly enhancing the country’s capacity to process and package agricultural produce.

According to information released during the ceremony, the facilities are capable of processing and packaging at least 45,000 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and root crops each day, providing farmers with improved opportunities to add value to their produce while reducing post-harvest losses.

The machinery for the facilities was supplied by the Government of India, while the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Services (NABCONS) oversaw the installation and commissioning of the equipment.

The handover ceremony was also attended by Hon. Shevern John, Minister of Social Welfare and Community Empowerment, Disaster Management and National Heritage, along with senior government officials and members of the farming community.

Indian officials said the project reflects their country’s continued commitment to supporting agricultural development, food security and sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean through its development partnership with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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