Greenhouse projects on mined-out bauxite lands aiding economic growth in Jamaica

Two major water harvesting and Greenhouse projects that have been recently started in Watt Town and Tobolski in South West St. Ann in Jamaica are helping farmers earn revenues after a long hiatus. The projects running successfully on mined-out bauxite lands are adding substantial economic value to their communities, the farmers said.

President of the Tobolski Farmers’ Group, Roselda Walker said the projects provide a great opportunity for residents of the community to improve their lives through agriculture.

The overall project is worth $243 million, with $173 million coming from JSIF and $61 million from the JBI. The farmers are engaged in the cultivation of eight crops, including sweet peppers and tomatoes for the hotel sector.

She stated that based on the success of the project so far, plans are being formulated for started more such projects in the adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry commended the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, (JSIF), the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, (JBI) and Noranda Bauxite Company for establishing the greenhouse clusters and water harvesting projects.

He stated that the farmers have been doing extremely well on the mined-out bauxite lands in the two communities and has encouraged them to continue to make the best productive use of the property which has been returned to them.

The projects, which are under the auspices of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s (JSIF) Rural Economic Development Initiative and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), are located in Watt Town and Tobolski in South West St Ann, and involve some 160 farmers and over 40 greenhouses.

Other greenhouses are located in Schwollingburg and Nine Miles in St Ann; Content, Blue Mountain, and Rose Hill in Manchester; and Myersville in St Elizabeth.