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The Ministry of Blue and Economy, Agriculture and National food security in collaboration with the World Bank and the Chinese Agricultural Mission is set to construct a model farm in the Wesley community.

That is according to Minister for the Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security, Honourable Fidel Grant during his contribution to the 2020-2021 budget debate.

Minister Grant says seasoning crops such as turmeric and ginger as well as various fruits and vegetables will be planted on the farm.

“Mr. Speaker, with the model farm, we will start with an initial twelve acres and eventually move to occupy another forty acres. Within two weeks, we will begin clearing and preparation work. We will partner with the Chinese Mission and the World Bank to provide technical support for this model farm.  On the model farm, we will utilize modern practices and ensure that we have a consistent supply of crops like ginger, turmeric and a wide variety of spices, vegetables and fruits, which are traditionally deemed as seasonal crops,” Minister Grant explained.

He explained that after the farm is operational, his ministry will be partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, International Transport, and Maritime Initiatives to turn the farm into an agro-tourism site.

This will give visitors a chance to walk through the farm and take part in various activities such as making fruit juices and creating fruit bowls among others.

“We are partnering with the Ministry of Tourism to make this model farm an agro-tourism site; where locals as well as tourists can walk through the farm to gain an experience of planting, harvesting, experience picking and eating fresh fruits and vegetables and explore the farm. Mr. Speaker, on the model farm visitors will be able to choose from the herbs and spices available and their tea brewed on site. Tourists will also have an option of selecting fruits and vegetables and create fresh vegetable salads, fruit bowls, fruit juices and smoothies. Visitors will also be able to purchase meals cooked from fresh produce and meat from the farm,” the Agriculture Minister explained.

Minister Grant says this farm will bring employment and economic growth to his constituency from the start of construction to its full operation.

“This model farm will create employment for the people of my constituency directly and indirectly. Initially, we will employ twenty persons and expand as time goes by. The activities on the farm will stimulate the local economy through the sale and purchases of produce from the farm. There will be circulation of foreign currency once the farm begins to operate as a tourist site. There is considerable potential to be harnessed from the model farm and I believe that this is an example of fostering economic resilience,” Minister Grant added.