Marcus Vassell watering scallion on his farm at New Forest in South Manchester recently. - photo by george henry

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Spaldings, Clarendon:

Farming may seem to be a difficult task for many people, but for Marcus Vassell it is just fun.

"I grew up seeing my parents, grandparents, everybody doing farming and so I became involved. It's just fun," boasted Mr. Vassell.

A past student of St. Elizabeth Technical High School, the enterprising farmer said he has been farming for over 12 years. Though it usually requires serious work, Mr. Vassell said he has been enjoying himself and finds time to do voluntary teaching at the New Forest Primary and Junior High School. The industrious young farmer also puts on evening classes for persons in the community who want to learnabout the computer.

He grows cucumber, scallion, thyme, melon and tomato in New Forest, Manchester. He added that he loves to see things grow and that it is a joy to watch his plants move from a seedling and to maturity.

"It is so much pleasure when you plant a seed, just a seed, and couple months later you are reaping a melon red like blood and sweet like sugar, and somebody enjoying it," Mr. Vassell stated.

But his work is not all a bed of roses because the lack of a consistent source of water is affecting his crops. He reasoned that the cost of water would have to be subsidised and the supply improved if farmers are to better production.

Low prices is another grouse this Manchester farmer has. He lamented the $10 per pound he gets for scallion.

Nevertheless, Mr. Vassell believes agriculture could provide meaningful employment for young people.