The intensified use of compost on the farm is now being re-introduced as a means of enriching the soils, improving soil and water conservation and reducing certain pests and disease incidences.

3) The Ministry of Agriculture has commenced its annual farmers training program that targets some of the major production issues that affects the yields and quality of crops produced here.

Last Wednesday, 13 vegetable farmers gathered at the Wallilabou Agricultural station to look at issues relating to ‘the Management of Soil for improved Vegetable Production’.
The workshop addressed the question: “Is Fertile Soil Production Soil”.

Mr. Phibert Gould, coordinator of the exercise outlined some of the issues affecting soil fertility and suggested that one way of elimating these issues was the use of compost. The intensified use of compost on the farm is now being re-introduced as a means of enriching the soils, improving soil and water conservation and reducing certain pests and disease incidences.

In talking with some of the farmers they expressed interest in the composting which has been known to have shown improvement with other farmers in the production of higher yields and quality produce now being asked for by VINCYFRESH, the agro-processing plant at Lauders that has expanded its product line to include a number of vegetables. Additionally, the farmers are excited about the establishment of the buying and cold storage depots to be established, similar to the one now being successfully operated at Rabacca Farms.

Mr. Gould has indicated that this is the first in a series of workshop that will target other areas in the production chain through the year.