Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) has moved to revitalise the former BARC satellite farms in North Andros. “In line with Government’s policy on food security, we are doing whatever we can to assist them to take advantage of the many opportunities in food production,” said executive chairman Edison M Key.
Accompanied by a high level BAIC team on Tuesday he inspected work on the North Andros greenhouse operation, met with BARC farmers, and reviewed the first set of winter tomatoes set to reach the market within two weeks.
The 1,100-acre BARC (Bahamas Agriculture Research Centre) project evolved out of a $10 million USAID Independence gift to The Bahamas. The land was prepared and Bahamian farmers trained and assigned farms ranging from 40 to 80 acres. Portions of the original farms have since been reduced to 10- and 20-acre plots.
The success of tourism lured many to New Providence resulting in a decline in agricultural pursuits. But, as the original farmers retired or moved on, in some instances their children continued to work the land. Livestock breeders there have been given access to Boer goat and dorper sheep breed and nearly 50 acres of mulatto two grass are being planted to accommodate them.
“That area can produce tens of thousands of sheep and goats,” observed Mr Key, a former large-scale farmer.
“Hopefully that industry will develop there and help supply the mutton needs of the country.”
BAIC Extension Officer Ayert Lightbourne, said the spotlight was on farmers who were already into production.
“We want to get them to the next level,” he said. “We don’t want to waste the Government’s money by forcing people into things they do not want to do.
“So we are looking for people who have already started something and we help them to achieve their objective and the nation’s at the same time.” The BARC second-generation farmers are ideal candidates, he said. Through a Ministry of Agriculture/BAIC initiative, more farm equipment are available at a less expensive price; supplies are easier to get boosted by a $20,000 BAIC grant to the co-op farm store; and the provision of additional extension services.
“There has been an improvement in the technology with more farmers utilising drip irrigation and fertigation systems, and that has resulted in increased production,” said Mr Lightbourne.
One of two greenhouses at the proposed North Andros agro industrial park has started production with cabbages, tomatoes, sweet peppers, spinach and Asian greens.
The other greenhouse is slated for fruit tree propagation for distribution throughout the island, said chairman Key, “so we can really get production going in this country and cut down on some of the imports. We are making good progress.
“We plan to bring over the buyers soon so they can see first hand what the farmers are producing.
“We want to lock them in so the farmers can sell their produce directly to the wholesalers and supermarket operators. “The government is very supportive and hopefully in due time Bahamians will see that we are on the right track this time,” said Mr Key.
By Gladstone Thurston
Bahamas Information Services