Local farmer, Andrew Walcott preparing an order for his fresh fruits and vegetables at the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados recently. Over the past few months, the entrepreneur has been adapting to the “new normal” due to the increase in producers and climate effects.
As COVID-19 continues to have an economic impact on Barbados, one local farmer is coping with its effects as more vegetable producers enter the market forcing long time farmers to scale back on their production.
Recently, The Barbados Advocate spoke to farmer, Andrew Walcott who was selling his vegetables and fruits on the grounds of Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados (DHAB) on Beckles Road, St. Michael. During the brief interview, he outlined some of the major issues affecting his operations.
More producers entering local market
Walcott disclosed that since the pandemic, he has observed more Barbadians are growing food and entering the agricultural industry. While he understands that these individuals are trying to earn a living, it has had an impact on the existing farming infrastructure. Walcott noted that he has scaled back his farming to prevent spoilage.
He told The Barbados Advocate that recently he has had a glut of specific products. The seasoned farmer noted that he has about 3,000 heads of lettuce that he is unable to sell on the market.
“It never happened like this in the early part of the year, as a matter of a fact I did not have enough lettuce to sell. But for some reason, I can’t say why but everywhere you check, persons are turning you back as it relates to that particular commodity,” said Walcott.
He explained that the situation started the end of November going into December 2020 where he would put in about 2,000 (heads) of lettuce every two weeks.
Most local crops reliant on rainfall
The saturated market and scaling down production are issues which are compounded by the long term problem of inadequate and inconsistent access to water for crops. Walcott who has been farming for over 30 years told this publication that he has about five and a half acres of land in St. George. He explained that a portion of this land is under the irrigation with Barbados Agricultural Development Marketing Corporation (BADMC) and the remainder (over three acres) is dependent on rainfall.
In the agricultural industry, Walcott indicated that getting adequate water to his crops is problematic. He noted that with the water rationing from BADMC, he has to work around the clock to ensure that all of his crops are watered. He added that the recent rainfall has inundated the ground on his farm and resulted in the loss of produce.