Dear Editor,
The latest initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture to implement the new technique of Hydroponics farming is nothing short of innovative. As some may know, hydroponics is a technique used to grow plants using a water-based nutrient solution instead of the traditional and more common way of planting with soil. I did a little research of my own and was pleased to see the benefits this new technique brings to the table. One of the advantages was that of course no soil is needed and taking into consideration land degradation issues, this is causing more difficulties in farming practices by farmers.
Another important advantage is the fact that it facilitates a micro-climate, meaning that the technique used in these hydroponics greenhouses allows planters to create the perfect conditions for each crop. Essentially it allows these growers to program ideal micro-climates around each of the crops they grow. One thing to also take into consideration is that crops tend to grow faster with the technology as opposed to the traditional way of planting and harvesting. As we also know, soil-based farming is labour-intensive and while hydroponic greenhouse farming also requires human labour, fewer people are required to tend to the crops and these workers are also not subjected to the harsh chemical pesticides used in traditional soil farming.
One must also take into consideration the global food shortage which brings shortages and supply chain disruptions. Farmers and countries heavily dependent on agriculture are looking at ways and means of increasing production in shorter periods of time with greater yield, hydroponics is the step in the right direction in this regard. I read recently that the first crop from this technique was quite bountiful, as was expected. The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that the project itself “is one of the most advanced farming structures in the Caribbean” and I couldn’t agree more. I am happy to see that the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha is creating such an environment that agriculture can grow beyond what it is, especially with the incorporation of modernized and advanced farming techniques.
CARICOM Today reported in their online edition dated November 9 2023 that the initiative seeks to supply the Caribbean Community “with healthy, high-quality food” and that crops such as lettuce, basil, kale and more will be harvested taking into consideration CARI-COM’s continued efforts to achieve its 25 by 2025 vision which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025.
Sincerely,
F.A Harry
