Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Annmarie Knight prepares to feed chickens being raised on her farm in Kitson Town, St. Catherine, recently. - RASBERT TURNER PHOTO
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
AT A time when farming seems to be a male-dominated job, 39-year-old Annmarie Knight of Kitson Town, St. Catherine is making great strides in the field.
Ms. Knight, who rears chicken for sale to restaurants, schools and local households, has been farming since 1998. For the year she raises about 1,000 chickens in batches of 300.
CASH CROP
"I started rearing chickens and doing a little cash crop to make myself more financially independent and with all the hard work it has help tremendously," She told Farmers Weekly
The mother of four adds that while farming can be rewarding, it is a very costly exercise. The lack of water poses an added challenge for her to rear the chickens as she is forced to purchase water. With chicken being sold for over $500 per bag, she says to purchase water increases her operational costs considerably. Further to this, she also suffered damage from the recent hurricanes. However, Ms. Knight says the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Jamaica Business Recovery Programme assisted her with 300 chickens and repaired her chicken house.
Despite the difficulties, the female farmer says her work is fulfilling and intends to continue rearing chicken. With chicken selling at a retail price of $75 per pound, she says she is able to make a living.
