Invest in agri research

The Editor, Sir:

There is great potential, employment and otherwise, around and within the agro-industry. Surely, there are capable local minds to research and implement techniques towards improving the production and distributive aspects of this industry, from fish-farming (investigating alternative feeds with potential for local production), to animal rearing and ground provisions.

Studies are needed to develop means of organically reducing waste - a profit-'stunting' concern, particularly in the agro-industry.

With the help of a 'well-invested' Bureau of Standards, the homogenised processing of agri-products, prior to spoilage, could provide jobs and savings. Scientifically utilising local research facilities, a lot could be achieved through liquefying certain agri-products for future consumption.

Jamaica needs further investment in research and development. It's obvious that there are capable minds, locally, with which to pursue these ventures.

St Ann nutritionist's story

There was an article in one of the local newspapers, a year or two ago, about a local nutritionist in St Ann, who had developed a thriving nutrition business of healthful, sustaining meals, which were prepared without cooking. It was said that he had numerous customers worldwide. There has to be something there!

The financially capable need to invest in this area. In addition to economic savings, potential for extensive employment, at all levels, research, development, production and distribution, appears encouraging.

Jamaica may not be able to profitably produce and process all products within the local agri-industry but, with careful study, these potentials could be identified and optomised. These are not new ideas but the time seems to have arrived that they receive renewed consideration.

I am, etc.,

Evan Archer

evanarchere1@netzero.net

New York