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Small scale farmers urged to utilize hydroponic production
Partners of the Americas yesterday hosted a presentation at the St. Stanislaus Farming
Project Coordinator Calvin Craig (center) NARI trainee (far left) and two small scale farmers.
Compound , Sophia Backlands, to educate and promote hydroponic vegetable production among small scale producers for marketing, as phase two of the Shade house Project progresses.
The project aims at providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for low income households in rural and coastal areas, by engaging small scale producers in hydroponic and organic cultivation of vegetables.
The venture is being funded by the Inter – American Development Bank/ Japanese Trust Fund.
Hosting the presentation was the Project Director, Kelvin Craig, Senior Field Officer, Ryan Nedd and Production Technician, Mahadeo Mansaroo, who enlightened those in attendance on the advantages, objectives and implementation of hydroponic planting systems in Guyana.
Partners of the Americas Project Director, Kelvin Craig explained that since phase two of the project commenced, much more access to educational and technological support in hydroponic vegetable growth has been garnered around the country, as their field officers conduct workshops within Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.
Among current trainees are members of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARI).
Craig explained that this soilless cultivation of vegetables is very advantageous to the average small scale producer, as climatic conditions do not heavily influence the rate at which crops are grown and produced.
He continued that the crop reaping and re-planting procedure is much faster and less laborious than ordinary soil farming, and the infestation of pests is at a minimum. He added that due to the pre- measured fertilizer application, this controlled growth of vegetables allows for a greater nutritional value in the crops.
Organic farmer inspecting hydroponic vegetables.
He pointed out that though it is a much more expensive alternative to vegetable production, Guyana’s climatic conditions are hard to predict, and constantly fluctuating, and hydroponic vegetable production counters the influence of heavy rainfall and sunlight since it is conducted in a controlled environment where crop production can be efficient and consistent.
Partners of the Americas has already been involved in advertising this effective alternative to crop production, as promotion on the National Communications Network (NCN) was already undergone.
Craig concluded with a call for increased awareness of hydroponics with an invitation for the public to participate in training programmes offered by his entity and also, encouraged small scale producers to apply this effective method of crop cultivation and production.
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