The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission hosted a demonstration of the proper cultivation techniques of eight varieties of eggplants, inclusive of three local varieties and five newly-introduced varieties. Eggplant is one of the focal crops under the second phase of the Seven Crops Project, of which the overall goal is to reduce Saint Lucia's reliance on food imports.

During the trials, farmers were given instructions on how to grow eggplants and the possible uses of the varying kinds.

Production Specialist attached to the Seven Crops Project, Eric Chen, explained that the project's goal is to focus on a crop that is both in high demand and amenable to cultivation within the region; while the Technical Production Officer for the Seven Crops Project, Edward Wilson, said this interactive approach is geared toward educating the population on the nutritional benefits of the consumption of eggplants to successfully improve food security.

The next phase of the trial is an Eggplant Expo to be held in Constitution Park on Sep. 27. At the event, students and chefs will get an opportunity to present various ways eggplants can be incorporated into our diets.