Dromilly Farmers get Greenhouse

The 20 farmers affiliated with the Dromilly Agricultural Cooperative Society in Trelawny now have greenhouse technology, which is expected to boost their crop production.
The facility and supplementary irrigation equipment were provided at a cost of approximately $2 million through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
Director of the CDF, Ms. Moveta Munroe officially handed over the equipment to the group on Thursday (April 15), on the eight-acre food and vegetable farm, which they operate in the community.
Ms. Munroe, in her remarks, stated that the Government of Jamaica is fully committed to ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture absorbs approximately 21 per cent of the country’s employed labour force, it provides primary products for agro industries, and accounts for a significant percentage of the island’s exports,” she said, adding that the sector remains an important contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and is a key generator of foreign exchange earnings.
Stating that the future of agriculture lies in the use of greenhouse technology, Ms. Munroe stated that “it offers you a high quality product that meets and exceeds standards, year round production with minimal variation in yield and quality, enhanced plant growth compared to field grown plants, and makes it easier for attendants to monitor and control pests”.
“Undoubtedly, it offers you better market prices. It is the way of the future,” she noted.
She commended the Dromilly farmers for their cooperative approach and urged them to always work together for the benefit of their members.
Member of Parliament for North Trelawny, Dr. Patrick Harris, is his comments, said that the farmers in the parish have been receptive to the use of greenhouse technology as they look to increase production to supply the tourism sector.