Taiwanese have field day with local farmers

Described as a “journey to discover the potential of farming”, the collaboration of the Taiwanese Technical Mission and the Ministry of Agriculture was put on display at a Farmers’ Field Day event at the Mission’s Langley Park facility, last Wednesday, May 13.{{more}}

Farmers, retailers and other concerned individuals were invited to witness the results of the collaboration, which is designed to build up the capability of farmers, in production and marketing for long-term sustainability.

Chief at the Taiwan Technical Mission, Chin Yu Lee, explained that this project aims to provide farmers with the relevant knowledge about how to yield more produce at a better quality, and the best way in which to market it.

Lee further explained, that farmers are being urged to diversify their crops, and are therefore being shown best practice cultivation for crops, which can be harvested all year round, such as, pawpaw, pineapple, banana, cauliflower, broccoli and watermelon.

In a brief address, Ambassador Leo Lee, encouraged farmers to attend as many of the workshops hosted by the Technical Mission as they can, and to administer what they

learn in a practical sense. In particular, he impressed upon them the importance of using compost to replenish the soil, instead of chemical fertilizers, which detract from the soil’s quality. Lee also explained, that making one’s own compost is a form of environmental conservation.

Aiming to sensitize the nation on the work that is being accomplished, Chief Agricultural Officer Reuben Robertson, announced plans to develop a wholesale centre at La Croix. There, farmers’ produce will be sold for less than in supermarkets and at other retailers. “We’ll be able to move the whole non-traditional agriculture in a positive step…”

Philmore Isaacs, representing the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and Rabacca Farmers Cooperative President Ivo Harry, gave brief remarks.

Specialists Ming Zing Lee and Sen-Chuan Su demonstrated watermelon cultivation and vegetable field management on the day. (JSV)