By Mandy Thompson
The Long Creek sorrel project received an additional boost yesterday when Dr Faith Harding received over 5,000 plants from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to be planted on the 30-acre farm.
The sorrel project is part of Harding’s Quick Impact Programme (QIP).
The plants, which are about 6 to 7 weeks old are expected to produce sorrel continuously and will cover at least two acres of land on the farm, which was started in May this year. The seeds, which were brought from Jamaica through the donation by QIP member Tony Vieira, were planted at the NARI nursery by members at NAREI.
The plants were also the first of that kind to be cultivated on a large scale for mass production by NARI which also donated funds for their transportation to Long Creek. An additional donation of 20 pounds of seeds was also received yesterday from Mexico and will be cultivated with the assistance of NARI. Once the produce has been reaped, NAREI will facilitate the drying process before exporting to increase its shelf life as well as decrease its weight for shipping.
Dr Harding, who was present to witness the shipment of the plants, said that the initiative by NAREI demonstrates the partnership between government and the community in action. She also noted that the recent donation of seeds from Mexico will further enhance the farm at Long Creek, since there is an already established market in Mexico for the produce once it is reaped. She expressed her gratitude to NAREI for working with her on the project as well as for its continued assistance.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth, stated that a sample production, which produced positive results, had to be done, so as to determine whether the plants could be cultivated on a large scale. NAREI’s contribution to the project, the CEO noted, is part of its support for projects that enhance community development.
He also mentioned that because Dr Harding had a market available for the crop, NARI did not hesitate to take on the initiative. Continued monitoring of the plants will also be done by members at NARI to assess their production level other information that will assist similar projects.
Apart from the QIP at Long Creek, sorrel will also be grown in Alness on the Corentyne, and the seeds sent by the Mexican firm will be planted in that community. At Alness, there is also a programme for poultry and fruit and vegetables, and in Corriverton land has been cleared to plant vegetables. A poultry farm will also be established there
The QIP is the first such venture for the Long Creek community and it is hoped that it will raise the economic level of the community by providing employment and a steady, substantial income. Dr Harding had stated in an interview with this newspaper earlier this year that some 235 persons will directly benefit from this project: 35 farmers working closely with the project and 200 persons who will be employed as a result of the production.
It is estimated that the sorrel can be sold on the international market for nearly US$4 a pound and it is expected that the harvest should yield some 16,000 pounds per acre.
The QIP was started last December to give persons an opportunity to be economically viable using the resources they have at their disposal. Dr Harding, in a statement, said that when she visited Long Creek some time back she noticed the vast untouched land which was owned by people. She also noted that they had no support or assistance to use that land to bring them economic viability.
The programme also distributes food hampers, clothing, shoes and other items to depressed areas and orphans, with support from an orphans association in Florida.
Soon QIP is expected to establish a ‘wish programme’ for children who are terminally ill.
