Guyana’s agricultural technology is advancing rapidly, and on last week the nation witnessed the first harvest of a wide range of crops at the Victoria Greens Hydroponic Farm. Located at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, the innovative hydroponic project is one of the most advanced farming structures in the Caribbean.
The fresh herbs and leafy vegetables being grown include lettuce (five types), mini cucumbers, celery, chives, parsley, dill, coriander, spinach, Swiss chard, and thyme, among others.
Although some of these herbs and vegetables are relatively new to Guyana’s soil, Azore told DPI there is a high demand for these commodities, noting that the farm also facilitates the processing and packaging of the produce. The crops will be available at the local markets and supermarkets.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Greenhouse Operator, Aneisha Azore explained that the primary goal is to supply the CARICOM region with healthy, high-quality food, mainly fresh vegetables. “We will begin to harvest lettuce, pakchoi, basil, kale, rocket, and mustard…We will be harvesting 600 heads of pakchoi, and over 650 heads of lettuce. The basil, kale, rocket, and mustard, added together is over 1,000 clusters of those herbs,” Azore highlighted.
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