By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED launch of the Schools Agricultural & Environmental Competition and Fair, which is expected to increase awareness in Agriculture locally, was launched in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, last week under the theme, 'Maintaining Food Security, Keeping Jamaican Jobs'.
With the launch now out of the way, some 80 schools from the Ministry of Education Region Three, which comprises St. Mary, St. Ann and Trelawny, will now be gearing up to participate in the actual event, which will unfold on the grounds of the York Castle High School, in St. Ann, on Thursday, May 20.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Sonia Morgan, the Senior Officer in the Standardisation Division of the Bureau of Standard, said there is a need for students to become more aware of the numerous career opportunities in the field of agriculture, which she claims is being slighted in preference to traditional careers such as doctor, lawyer and engineer.
"By fully exposing our students to agriculture, we will open their eyes to what they can achieve as agriculturalists," said Mrs. Morgan. "They could pursue areas such as agronomy or crop science; livestock sciences, management and economics, agricultural marketing and agricultural engineering."
"I want to say to the Ministry of Education, principals and teachers, change begins at the top," continued Mrs. Morgan. "It begins with those who can effect change to the curriculum. Schools must expose students to agriculture from an early age. This promotional drive we are about to embark on must target from as young as kindergarten age as we must ensure that they understand the importance of agriculture to food security."
In looking at the drive by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to encourage farmers to produce to meet the demands of the wider market, Mrs. Morgan said that in parishes such as St. Ann, farmers should be encouraged to go beyond producing cabbage, carrot, pakchoi, lettuce and yam only.
"Food security is important in a practical and real sense, as it would ensure that the food offered for trade and consumption is safe and not associated with any contraband or illegal items," said Mrs. Morgan.
