Spices and sweet potato targetted for increased greenhouse production

 

The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) has launched a greenhouse rehabilitation project across its Agro Parks and properties in St. Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester.

Through partnerships with JA Spices, ACDI/VOCA, WUSC, and other agricultural investors, Agro-Invest is working to strengthen local food production.

Over the past year, three greenhouses have been rehabilitated: the first by Agro-Invest and the second and third by the JA Spices Project. The project has already seen two successful harvests of clean seedling ginger, which have been distributed to farms across the Ebony Agro Park. The third planting cycle is currently underway, completing the expansion of the third greenhouse.

The Agro-Investment Corporation is a state-owned enterprise established to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic development in Jamaica.

Through its Agro Parks and partnerships, Agro-Invest plays a pivotal role in rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure, supporting local farmers, and enhancing the growth of the agriculture sector.

Agro-Invest partnered with JA Spices on a critical greenhouse rehabilitation project at the Ebony Agro Park in Clarendon, aimed at revitalizing Jamaica’s spice industry.

Launched in 2023, the initiative focuses on cultivating clean, rhizome-free ginger using Single Bud technology. This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Jamaica Spices Project, which seeks to modernize and strengthen the spice industry through the production of high-quality planting materials for local consumption, export, and value-added products.

“The initiative is intended to benefit over 7,500 agricultural stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, by creating new economic opportunities and ensuring a sustainable spice sector. In collaboration with ACDI/VOCA, this project strengthens resilience and promotes equitable growth,” the agency states.

Sweet Potato Planting Material Nursery at Amity Hall Agro Park

In another initiative, Agro-Invest has joined with World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to tackle challenges in sweet potato production. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organizations are working together to develop a sweet potato planting material greenhouse nursery at the Amity Hall Agro Park in St. Catherine.

The nursery will focus on producing virus-resistant planting materials, addressing pest and disease pressures that have historically hampered productivity.

Aligned with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining’s New F.A.C.E. of Food initiative—which aims to transform the agri-food system with a focus on food security, agro-processing, climate resilience export expansion - this collaboration also includes research into biological controls for pest management. WUSC will support the importation of 10 sweet potato varieties from the International Potato Centre in Peru, which will be tested for productivity and pest resistance. The greenhouse renovation is on track for completion by January 2025, laying the groundwork for transformative impacts on sweet potato farming.

Greenhouse Rehabilitation in Coleyville, Manchester

Agro-Invest has commenced rehabilitation of a 12,000-square-foot greenhouse in Coleyville, Manchester. This project aims to attract public-private partnership investors for the cultivation of high-demand vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers, catering to the local grocery channel and expanding hotel industry.

The facility will feature modern technologies, including hydroponics and water-efficient systems, to optimize vegetable production while minimizing environmental impact. By providing a secure and controlled environment, this greenhouse ensures year-round production, improved crop quality, and protection from adverse weather conditions. It aligns with the growing demand for locally produced vegetables, contributing to the agricultural value chain and bolstering food security.

"We are excited about advancing climate-smart agriculture through our greenhouse rehabilitation initiatives," says Mr. Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Invest. "These projects not only help mitigate the effects of climate change but also ensure that Jamaican farmers are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive. As we continue to collaborate with our valued partners, we are keen on attracting new investments in agriculture to ensure food security, agricultural sustainability, and the overall growth of the sector."

Information source: Agro-Invest

 Picture credit: Sweet potato greenhouse in Amity Hall. Agro-invest photo.

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