Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Interns Explore Farming Different Methods at Indies Green and Stonehaven Farm by Shenequa Williams and Brent Simon
The Ministry of Agriculture interns recently visited Indies Green and Stonehaven Farm. Indies Green is a thriving hydroponic farm operation that produces over 1,000 bags of lettuce weekly. Spread across five specialized farms, Indies Green grows an impressive range of produce including different varieties of mint such as lemon, chocolate and spearmint, celery, onion chives, red and green peppers, thyme, seasoning peppers, hot peppers, arugula lettuce, and rosemary.
What sets Indies Green apart is its commitment to soilless agriculture. Using coconut coir and perlite as growing mediums, the farms operate entirely on hydroponics. Each site has a specific focus, one grows only herbs, another is dedicated to peppers, and two are fully devoted to lettuce production.
The visit gave interns valuable insight into innovative farming methods and the future of sustainable agriculture.
After the excursion at Indies Greens, Stonehaven Farm in Vernons Estate offered a firsthand look at livestock farming and the need to engage youth in agriculture. The group arrived at 12:25 p.m., greeted by farm owner Doctor Andre Winter, who expressed heartfelt enthusiasm at seeing young people involved in the field.
“It’s as vital to us as water,” Dr. Winter remarked, emphasizing the importance of the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Stonehaven Farm raises pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and cattle, with a special focus on Yorkshire pigs. Because pigs are unable to sweat, maintaining a clean, cool, and well-watered environment is crucial. Feeding regimens are tailored according to age, sex, and market purpose, with high-protein diets producing slaughter-ready pigs in about six months. The meat is sold to supermarkets and hotels, especially during peak seasons like Carnival, Christmas, and Easter.
Goat farming also plays a major role at the farm, though praedial larceny remains a pressing issue. Even when culprits are caught, losses are rarely recovered, prompting farmers to keep goats indoors for safety. Wild tamarind was highlighted as a beneficial feed option as it contains near 50% protein than the store-bought options.
Interns learned quite a bit about the costs associated with the running of the farm and work practices. The visit served as both an educational experience and a call to action to support agriculture’s next generation.
