Noranda pushes greenhouse production

The programme was introduced in late 2009 when the company in concert with USAID, the Greenhouse Association, Rural Agricultural Development Authority and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute built three experimental greenhouses on rehabilitated mined-out lands in the Burnt Ground area.

The houses were handed over to farmers who were first trained in the new technology and then assisted by Noranda to build a further 15 houses, establishing a greenhouse complex that earned US$45,000 in the first year of operation.

The company has also expanded the programme to include schools, building four greenhouses this year at York Castle, Aboukir, Brown's Town, and Aabuthnott Gallimore High.

Boosting production

NJBP's President Pansy Johnson has observed that the partnership is boosting production particularly in areas affected by drought, and also generating income and employment activity in NJBP's operational areas.

Irrigation is provided from two nearby catchment areas constructed and relined by the mining company with water pumped by solar power equipment installed this year by Noranda.

One of the farmers, Casgrave Campbell, has said that the initiative has transformed farming in the communities. "Farmers are producing high-quality cucumber, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, and sweet pepper, finding markets in the hotels and in markets in St Ann and St James," said Campbell.

Brown's Town Principal Johnallson Feraira has said the project has introduced students to a new dimension of farming while providing extra income to the school.