RADA keeps promise - Farmers get fertiliser, seeds

New Market, St Elizabeth:

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) stayed true to the promise of Minister of Agriculture Dr Christopher Tufton by providing fertiliser and seeds to more than 100 farmers in New Market on Wednesday.

The farmers were visibly happy with the gesture but, according to farmer Ralph Martin, the assistance came late.

However, Al Powell, head of RADA, said the assistance to New Market was dependent on the land drying out, so help could not have come to the area earlier.

He further promised that RADA tractors would be in the area as early as next week to assist farmers with the preparation of land.

Powell also cautioned farmers to ensure that they communicate with extension officers so that their products can find market at harvest.

Happy for the help

Sherene Walker, one of the farmers who received fertiliser and seeds, said she lost her entire farm during Tropical Storm Nicole. She said she was happy for the help and that it came at the right time.

Less than a mile away at the market district, it was a scene of red, as tomatoes outnumbered all other produce. Prices were as low $5 and $10 dollars per pound.

One frustrated vendor left his tomatoes in the market and returned home. The vendors' woes were compounded by the fact that they are expected to pay what they term as exorbitant fees for products which have to be sold for very little profit.

Annie Peart, a vendor, said: "What we sell cannot buy a morsel of bread but me a gwaan do my farming because mi nuh have a next job."

An air of despair hung over the usually busy market district as vendors who usually do brisk mid- week business wondered aloud what would become of the sea of tomatoes, cabbage, carrots and other vegetables which went unsold.

- Andre Gordon