MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE ROLLS OUT COVID-19 CROP PRODUCTION INITIATIVES

The Ministry of Agriculture is today announcing the implementation of initiatives under its COVID-19 support programme.


Members of the public can register to benefit from two initiatives which support the production of crops.
 

The two initiatives are ‘Backyard Garden Initiative’ and ‘Commercial Farming Initiative’.
 

Under the ‘Backyard Garden Initiative’ persons are invited to register for one of three (3) options which best suits their household. The options are:
 

1. Option 1 – HOOP HOUSE REHABILITATION – geared towards households with existing hoop houses which have fallen into disrepair. Incentives under this option will include materials to refurbish an existing hoop house; Labour cost support to assist with repair of the existing hoop house; Seedlings and or seeds; Foliar fertilizers; Top soil and irrigation.
 

Persons interested in benefiting under option 1 are asked to call 496 0145 between 18th and 20th May 2020 between 9am and 3 pm.
 

2. Option 2 – CONTAINER GARDENING – geared towards households with smaller spaces or those with an interest in container gardening. Incentives under this initiative include, plant boxes 4ft x8ft and plastic containers; seedlings and or seeds; Foliar fertilizers; Top soil and Irrigation
 

Persons interested in benefiting under option 2 are asked to call 491 2075 between 18th and 20th May 2020 between 9am and 3 pm,
 

3. Option 3 – OPEN FIELD PRODUCTION—geared towards households with a larger land space or those interested in farming directly in the field. Area for production must be no larger than 50ft x 100ft ( approximately 1/8 acre) and is in the immediate vicinity of the household. Incentives under this option include the following assistance with land preparation (labour or tillage); seeds and/or seedlings; granular fertilizers; insecticides; irrigation and top soil.
 

Persons interested in benefiting under option 3 are asked to call 392 8089 between 18th and 20th May 2020 between 9am and 3 pm.
 

The Ministry of Agriculture is also rolling out of its COMMERCIAL FARMING Initiative for registered farmers, cultivating lands in excess of 1/8 acre and producing primarily for sale.
 

Incentives under this initiative will be provided to cover one (1) crop cycle and includes;
 

• Assistance with land preparation, whether labour or tillage
• Seeds and/or seedlings;
• Granular fertilizers;
• Insecticides;
• Herbicides;
• Irrigation.
 

Persons benefiting under the COMMERCIAL FARMING Initiative will have to agree to the following:
 

• Effectively manage the day to day operations of the farm;
• Apply improved technology as advised by the Agriculture Department Outreach Officers;
• Market their produce at prices mutually agreed to by the Agriculture Department and the farmer, based on cost of production; and
• Keep accurate records.
 

Persons interested in benefiting under this initiative are asked to call 492 2755 from 18th to 20th May 2020 between 9am and 3 pm.
 

Persons who will be registering their interest are asked to note that these incentives will be delivered on a first come, first serve basis after an assessment by the Outreach Team to determine eligibility and suitability of the incentive for each applicant.

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