In further efforts to boost crop production during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to mobilize heavy duty equipment to assist farmers to prepare lands for increased production.
In the South West District, District Officers, Mr. Milton Barnes and Ms. Shanni Joseph reported that they are in the second phase of overseeing the expansion on a two and half acre plot in the Blubber Valley, Jolly Hill area, belonging to long-time farmer, Mr. Murphy Parker.
Phase one of the expansion included the clearing of the land and phase two comprises the first cut/ ploughing and the next step would be banking the land for crop production.
Ms. Joseph stated that while the ministry is ready and willing to work along with farmers in these types of activities, she is reminding them that before they can have their land ploughed, clearing it of excess grass, debris and trees etc. must be done first, as such material can damage the equipment.
Barnes explained that after the first cut there is a second cut, which would involves banking and this is done either East to West or North to South in accordance with the flow of water in the specific area, so that it does not interfere with the banking structure and the water will flow between the rows.
Barnes further stated that the most prominent challenge being faced by farmers in his district, as in most areas, is the lack of water.
Two ponds which were recently cleaned are located in this area, however, they are relatively small, and Mr. Barnes thinks that a solution to this problem is the implementation of at least one thirteen-million gallon pond.
“Water is the main problem in this area, what we need is a body of water in the area that can hold at least thirteen million gallons of water,” stated Mr. Barnes.
Ms. Joseph is also advising farmers to speak with their district officers first, before they move to have their lands ploughed.
A common mistake made by some farmers, according to Joseph is having their land ploughed when it does not need to be. She also suggests allowing the land to rest a while before planting again.
In addition, Mr. Barnes is appealing to persons to adhere to the appropriate protocols instituted by the Agriculture Extension Division within the Ministry of Agriculture for acquiring agricultural land.
He stated that in the past, there has been instances where persons have found empty plots of land and took the initiative to start planting there, which is completely against standard protocol.
Being a farmer, is an expensive business venture according Mr. Barnes and some farmers are easily discouraged when they experience challenges in receiving certain services or level of assistance.
However, Mr. Barnes and Ms. Joseph are asking farmers to be patient and seek to take their own initiatives as well in getting the job.
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