KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government Monday said it was concerned that farmers were abandoning their field even as the authorities continue with their efforts aimed at eradicating the Black Stigatoka disease which has severely affected banana farms on the island.

Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar said that while “Operation Cutback” will continue and that the authorities will, over the next five days, begin the third aerial cycle for the year, some farms were being abandoned.

“What is happening in some areas, is whilst we have gone in a year, six months ago in some instances and remove some abandoned fields we are seeing that some farmers have not yet gone into those areas to either replant their bananas or other crops.