Jamaican farmers delighted with new greenhouse projects

Jamaican farmers, who are involved in two major greenhouse and water harvesting projects in Watt Town and Tobolski in South West St. Ann, are expressing delight with the initiative, which they say are adding economic value to their communities.

Speaking to JIS News, the farmers who have been cultivating sweet peppers, tomatoes and other exotic vegetables for the hotel and supermarket retail sectors said they are overjoyed at the establishment of the projects on mined-out bauxite lands which were previously idle.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry (2nd right) in conversation with a greenhouse farmer in Watt Town, St. Ann during a recent tour of the facilities which have been established on reclaimed mined-out bauxite lands. PICTURE BY THE JAMAICAN INFORMATION SERVICE

President of the Tobolski Farmers’ Group, Roselda Walker said the projects provide a great opportunity for residents of the community to improve their lives through agriculture.

“We produce tomatoes and sweet peppers. Whatever we put in, that is what we are going to take out and as long as we take care of it, we will expand and certainly bring a better standard of living for us here in Tobolski,” Mrs. Walker said.

She said the farmers have started reaping the first crop of tomatoes and sweet peppers which were planted in January. Since April, over 8, 000 kilograms of produce have already been sold.

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