George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Carl Bogle preparing a plot of land on his farm for planting in Pen Hill, Manchester - photo by george henry

Spaldings, Clarendon:

Eight years ago Carl Bogle was removing garbage from the streets while employed to Southern Parks and Markets. However, that is no more, as he quit that job to take up farming, and according to him, he is enjoying every moment.

The 59-year-old farmer, who hails from Chantilly, Manchester, told Farmers Weekly that the change of job came out of a desire to be his own boss.

Mr. Bogle, who cultivates crops such as yam, red peas and plantain, pointed out that his parents, Lillian Henry and Clement Bogle, were seasoned farmers and from whom he learnt about crop cultivation.

"I like farming now. It is a nice thing to do, because I don't have to go to the market to buy most of the things I need to eat and I get a chance to earn my own money. I don't have to wait on any boss to get paid at the end of the week, because I am now my own boss," he proudly stated.

Praedial larceny woes

The Manchester farmer, who is the father of one daughter, said he does not feel comfortable when parents have to send their children to their beds hungry, and so he tries his best to assist in whatever way he could. But he said despite his efforts in helping to feed others, he still suffers from the dreaded problem of praedial larceny.

"I planted a crop of pumpkin on my farm and it did very well, but I did not get one to eat out of it because of thieves. They took away every one and then poison the trees," Mr. Bogle lamented, adding that he has also suffered over the years from bush fires, particularly during the dry season. This, he complained, has cost him and other farmers in the area several thousand dollars in losses as a result of damage to crops and livestock.

Despite the challenges he is sometimes faced with, Mr. Bogle remains committed to tilling the soil.