By Subhana Shiwmangal
More than four years after they began producing tomatoes for ketchup, Paramakatoi farmers continue to benefit from the profit generated based on arrangements with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) and even amid the COVID-19 woes and planting challenges.
Over the years the planting and production of tomatoes increased incrementally from 7,000 lbs of tomatoes to more than 33,000 lbs per crop in the Region Eight indigenous community, based on the increased demand for the product. IAST is aiming to have every farmer move to year-round planting rather than planting seasonally.
In recent months, the sundried tomatoes ketchup was off of store shelves due to the setbacks farmers faced from a drought and floods that severely affected the crops that were planted to meet the expected increase in demand for 2022. Fortunately, crops are being reaped this year and production of the ketchup under the brand – Pakaraima Flavours – is up and running.
