Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Black River, St. Elizabeth:

Dasheen farmers in St Elizabeth have been enjoying a steady market for their produce with the opening of a new export market.

Speaking with Farmers Weekly on Tuesday, Neville Morgan, deputy parish manager of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority St. Elizabeth branch, explained that dasheen farmers in Braes River, Cooks Bottom, Elderslie and Knockswood were currently enjoying a steady market for their produce.

"There is no problem in the marketing of dasheen at this time, and the farmers certainly at the local level are making use of the export opportunity that is available to them," Mr. Morgan said.

This is a bounce-back from four months ago when there was a significant glut with dasheens. The farmers, who had previously complained to Agriculture and Lands Minister, Roger Clarke, are now lifting their hats.

Delroy White, a dasheen farmer, said the prospects for his crop were looking bright. He also noted that the technical support from RADA had been excellent.

"Two or more months ago we did not know what to do because the market for dasheen was very slow. However, things have really taken a turn for the better," Mr. White said, adding that farmers are planting more dasheens now than ever before.