Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Black River, St. Elizabeth:

Farmers in south St. Elizabeth are concerned that several weeks after a new flavour extraction plant was opened in the area, the facility has not been put into operation.

Claude Taylor, a farmer of Flagaman told Farmers Weekly that there was an abundance of fruits and vegetables being reaped and not enough markets to sell.

"It is on this basis I am questioning the reason for the delay in the operation of the flavour extraction plant. Watermelon is one of the main products that is going to be utilised at the factory, and if it was up and running the farmers could channel their produce there," he stressed.

Low cost per pound

Mr. Taylor explained that, "a lot of watermelon is around in various fields throughout the community, (but) at the moment we are getting only $10 per pound for it."

Mr. Taylor contend that for "those of us who have to buy water from the National Irrigation Commission to produce our crops, $10 is not good enough."

Another farmer, Parker Ebanks complained that farmers were having it rough, because the cost of water and labour was taking a toll on their pockets. He said the cost of production was far above the price that they were getting for their produce.

" I have lost some $300,000 over the last 3 months due to the high labour cost. It costs the average farmer $5,200 per truck load of water, we are having it very hard Mr Parker says.