BAMSI Extension Officers David Adderley (on ladder) and Shanell Adderley (in white) assist Mr Avon Cothrel in constructing the greenhouse.
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Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) continues its
programme to establish greenhouses throughout the Southeastern Bahamas, with
the latest structure erected in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island on Friday.
The greenhouse concept introduces
new technology that will impact the production cycle of bananas and other crops
both in quantity and availability, said Alaasis Braynen, chief executive
officer. The announcement comes after the agriculture agency constructed
specialized greenhouses in Eleuthera and Long Island aimed at reducing the
issues of seasonality, productions costs for the nation’s farmers and
stabilizing the price of produce.
Banana suckers, currently being
stored in small plastic bags, will be planted in the greenhouse in a move to
provide optimal nutrient and water proportions. The greenhouse environment
allows for a more controlled setting than found in the field.
“The Bahamas has been plagued with a
production problem due to seasonality. With this new technology, the greenhouse
is able to nurture and grow varieties of produce throughout the year which
improves availability for the Bahamian consumer and stabilizes prices.”
Similar to traditional greenhouses,
the new technology controls the environment within which the plants grow, but
it takes it a step further. The plastic-coated tunnels capture the temperature,
reduce the amount of irrigation needed, and also help to bear down on the cost
of fertilization and pesticides, as these can now be channeled through the
irrigation system.
Mr Braynen also pointed out the new
technology is cost effective and allows land which is normally not considered
arable to become productive because of the density using the fields. “We have
increased production which means pounds per acre is much higher which
translates to more revenue. It also allows for increased production throughout
the Southeastern islands which are challenged with the cost of agricultural
inputs and limited rainfall.”
BAMSI’s plan is to create a network
of greenhouses across the central and southeastern Bahamas. Greenhouses are
currently in Eleuthera and Long Island. The technology means that crops can be
grown and produced within two months – which is a shorter period of time than
normal.