Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Black River, St. Elizabeth:

An agricultural initiative launched by Minister of Agriculture and Lands Roger Clarke in August is already bearing fruit.

The Hounslow Pedro Plains Producers Association Crop Production Project (HPPPACP), which is based on the grounds of the Hounslow Farm in Ridge Pen, St. Elizabeth, involves 11 farmers who are currently utilising 50 acres of prime agricultural land to grow pumpkin, sweet potato and peanut for both the local and export markets.

Peppers, tomatoes

One of the farmers involved in the project, Sylvan Honeyghan, told Farmers Weekly that, "Not long from now we will be going into the production of hot peppers and tomatoes."

To assist them in their activities the farmers received a tractor, a truck, as well as other farming equipment through the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands' Agricultural Support Services Project .

"The objective of the farmers' network is being met, as well as the constant production of several crops," Mr. Honeyghan said.

He noted that the HPPPACPP had plans to broaden their market access and to include more farmers in the group.