Two hundred women and youths will be trained to grow vegetables using hydroponics technology at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville. The project, which is aimed at promoting food security and employment among vulnerable groups, is sponsored by the Jamaica National Commission for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) through a grant of US$21,000.
The 1500-square-foot greenhouse was handed over to NCU on September 6. The fully automated facility is capable of producing 1600 vegetable plants - lettuce and pak choi in six weeks, three times more than would be produced from the ground.
In remarks delivered on her behalf, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, noted that despite Jamaica currently experiencing low unemployment, there were gaps related to women and youths who had no certification.
“This is why this project is so significant at a time like this, as it seeks to offer invaluable training to these two subsectors in particular… and I encourage the women and youths in this area to avail themselves of this glorious opportunity,” said Grange in remarks delivered by senior advisor Lenford Salmon.
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