THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT declaration of Minister Clarke is a good move to kick start the agro-business sector. But the Government only gave half the explanation as to why farmers should produce cocoa at this time. The farmers want to know how to increase the yield per hectare with the least possible inputs. We have been farming cocoa (chocolate) for years and know how to grow a cocoa tree. The Ministry has not explained the economic benefits to the farmer, or how the market works. Since I have something to lose in the form of 14 acres my father planted four years ago, I must inform my fellow farmers of what I have learnt surfing the Internet.
The cocoa market cycle is unusually long which means there are long periods of growth and long periods of decline. This commodity's market cycle is 20 years. The good prices that the Honourable Minister is talking about is the result of the beginning of the cycle as there has been a shortage for the last three years. The 1980s saw a glut in the market but because the farmers did not understand what was going on, they destroyed their trees or left them. Now its three years before full production can be achieved.
The main by- product of the husk is also useful, especially with the price of bag feed increasing. Research in Togo found that cocoa pod husk might successfully replace corn by up to 10 per cent in the feed of broiler chickens. Other research shows an acceptable level for growing pullets is 15 per cent, for laying hens 20 per cent, growing/finishing pigs 25 per cent, growing rabbits 30 per cent and sheep, goats and cattle 45 per cent.
A word of note to Jamaican farmers. You all better get on-line and start looking for your own information to improve production and do not wait for the Government to push growth in our sector.
I am etc.,
CAROL MANLEY LAWTON JR.
showa88@hotmail.com
New Jersey
