Mainstay, Whyaka Revolutionizing Agriculture with Technology and Training to Meet Growing Food Demand

After receiving technical training from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mainstay/Whyaka residents in Region Two are actively embracing agricultural technology to boost production and access larger food markets. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has directed the NAREI to conduct training and awareness programs throughout the country in key farming areas, such as smart agricultural practices. As a result of these efforts, farming communities have experienced notable progress, and Mainstay/Whyaka is a recent success story. They have broadened their agricultural operations to promote economic growth, sustainability, and food production. In this light, Toshao Yvonne Pearson MP emphasised that the community plans to implement a range of climate-smart agricultural practices. Construction of a 96 x 36 shade house is currently underway and will be completed soon. The objective of this project is to enhance productivity and generate additional opportunities. Toshao Pearson revealed that, in addition to the shade house, they have a group of 10 enthusiastic young people working with them in the agricultural field. They are presently clearing 50 acres of land and intend to venture into commercial agriculture. The community plans to cultivate several crops such as cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, and pak choy that are in high demand. Toshao Pearson highlighted that they are planning to start a business and sell their produce. They aim to supply their local school feeding programme and replace the greens presently sourced from the coastal area with their own locally produced crops. They also plan to offer tomatoes and cucumbers, which the Lake Mainstay Resort usually sources from the coast, right from their own production in Mainstay, providing healthy food options for the community. The Toshao commended the government, Canadian High Commission, and village council for their partnership in community development and training initiatives. The residents received technical training from NAREI to construct and manage shade houses, which they will use to expand agriculture. The project will create employment opportunities, generate income, and improve livelihoods in the community. MP Pearson announced that they plan to build additional shade houses, but a section of the current one will be utilized by Grade Five and Six students to introduce them to agriculture at an early age. Additionally, Mainstay aims to participate in the profitable 'Cut Rose Project,' which could greatly enhance the village's economy. Mainstay/Whyaka recognizes the importance of food production, as the government works to attain the 25 by 2025 food security goal.

Source(Image: Department of Public Information, News: Department of Public Information)

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5 Apr 2023 16:45 | by anaraine