The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, in partnership with two farmers, has constructed two greenhouses for the production of strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce using hydroponic technology, at a cost of $2 million.

Hydroponic production is a process where plants are fed nutrients by a piping system without soil. The greenhouses are located in St. Andrew and Manchester.

Already completed, the greenhouse at the Gardener's Farm in St. Andrew, will grow strawberries, while the other greenhouse located at the Rose Hill Farms in Manchester, will produce tomatoes, lettuce and strawberries. Construction on the greenhouse in Manchester began in July.

This type of farming, known as hydroponic greenhouse production, is being pursued at this time as a way to 'protect cultivation' and to ensure consistency of production, Don McGlashan, the chief technical director in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands pointed out.

"When there is flooding, sometimes the farmer cannot get to his field, but with hydroponic greenhouse production, he is certain that he will be able to consistently supply his market, such as the hotels, which demand consistency," Mr. McGlashan explained.

More farmers to benefit

He said more farmers "will come on stream after investigations have been done."

The St. Andrew hydroponic greenhouse will begin harvesting strawberries in eight weeks and the Rose Hill Farms greenhouse will begin harvesting in September.

"Rose Hill will be harvesting 25 kilograms of strawberries per week, with a yield of approximately 23 kilograms from 3,000 plants. This is twice the amount that could be grown in the open, traditional field," Mr. McGlashan noted.