Agricultural developments in Malta

Abstract

According to local export figures, Maltese agricultural products, in the form of potatoes, grapes, onions, hides and skins, seeds, bulbs and flowers are now reaching countries as far afield as Northern Europe, Central Mediterranean and North Africa, reaching in 1955 the total figure of £214,410. For a country, the size of Malta, such exports are no small achievement and, indeed, are eloquent proof of the contention that, given proper direction, Maltese agricultural exports could be stepped up to such an extent as to become the island's chief exports. Unfortunately, the potentialities of Maltese agricultural exports have not been given the attention they deserve. Admittedly, the raising of our agricultural output is somewhat restricted because, basically the small size of holdings will always remain a serious obstacle. Nevertheless it is known that provided there is a steadier supply of water, the introduction of modern mechanical and scientific methods of cultivation and harvesting, the raising of present soil husbandry to a better level, the use of new 'seasonal' crops for export, through improved stocking, effective agricultural co-operation, extension and research work, the agricultural industry in this island could become a paying concern.