Interns visit to MSB Enterprise by Emerald David

The Ministry of Agriculture Internship Programme continues to promote the education of our youth through the various avenues in the Agricultural Sector.

Today, the interns visited MSB Enterprise which has two components. Traditional and Hydroponics farming. Mr. Sergio and Mrs Monique Barrow, the husband and wife team and owners of the farm, gave the interns the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the exhilarating world of Hydroponics farming while also highlighting traditional farming methods.

Mr. Barrow welcomed the interns who were quite inquisitive about how the idea of the Hydroponics farm first came to fruition. The couple has been farming for over eleven (11) years however their hydroponics system is about five (5) years old.

Change in weather patterns, inadequate water supply and lack of resources were a few reasons given as to the introduction of a different way to farm, thus the idea of a Hydroponics. Mr Barrow utilizes the Dutch Bucket Method filled with Perlite material within the Hydroponics farm as this method is highly effective in ensuring there is a balance of water, oxygen and nutrients thus supporting plant growth.

Vegetables that are presently grown include Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Seasoning Peppers, Eggplants, Ceive, Yams and Sweet Potatoes.

The interns were able to put theory into practice by dividing into two groups, with the first group harvesting Seasoning Peppers while the other group weeded the plant beds that had rows of Yams planted. Mr and Mrs Barrow took the time to engage the participants and encourage them to continue on the route of Agriculture.

The country needs to be more efficient in our food production and the food that we consume. They are many opportunities in the sector as long as you tap into it. The sky is the limit, the interns were told by farmer Barrow.

The interns were then treated with refreshments provided by the Barrows as they reflected on the day well spent on MSB Enterprise.