Tech4agri: the web series Ep 5 – Pests vs Diseases vs You

What would you do if a pest or disease infested your crop and you stood to lose 40 – 50% of your investment and future profits?

This episode answers just this question with farmers who are seeking or receiving help to combat their pest/disease problem. We found out that climate change plays a clear role in the prevalence of the issue but is this the only reason?

Watch the episode to find out more!

A major part of this episode features the efforts of the Plantwise program-  a global programme led by CABI, which works to help farmers lose less of what they grow to plant health problems.

Working closely with national agricultural advisory services they establish and support sustainable networks of plant clinics, run by trained plant doctors, where farmers can find practical plant health advice.

 

Tech4agri: The Web series: Ep 4 – It’s called Hydroponics

A method of production using soil less medium and a circulating nutrient water system! It’s called Hydroponics, a long awaited episode of the web series.

Mr. Dipsingh, operator of the Choon Hydroponics farm, shares tips on how he brought his enterprise into a success.

He constantly seeks ways to improve upon the farm. He has maximised his space, ensured regular access to seedlings with his own nursery, looks after the well being of his employees and has cut cost by sourcing all material and inputs for the operation right here in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Dipsingh also explained that Agriculture is a sustainable endeavour for himself and his family as he left a high paying job in the IT sector at the executive level, to pursue farming.

Watch the series for more and do share with your friends and colleagues! Stay dedicated!

 

 

 

Tech4agri The web series Ep 3 – Stress & Livestock

Not only does climate change affect people and crop production but it also has a big impact on livestock. This episode looks at strategies to safely manage livestock given our changing climate.

We learned that observing temperatures, proper housing, location of food sources, monitoring of potential risk for diseases and resilience after weather related shocks all contribute toward ensuring minimum stress to livestock of all types. This then results in better product (dairy and meat) in the long run.

Thanks for your support thus far and we will keep these episodes coming!

In order to improve our quality and ensure consistency of episodes we need support! If you are aware of any organisations that will sponsor our endeavour, please do let us know.

Tech4agri: the web series Ep 2 – Real Business

It’s episode two of our web series! Please view and pass on to your colleagues.

This episode focuses on our colleagues in agribusiness, D’ Market Movers.  They have been around for above 5 – 6 years and stand as a leading example of a successful agribusiness.

The co founders made full use of the ICT services that were available to them. Over time they have evolved with an impressive product listing and other innovative strategies.

They give us the tips you need to succeed in your own endeavours!

Launched! Tech4agri: the web series

We are live! We have finally reached the day of the launch of our web series.

It has been difficult to get to this point but we are moving forward. We hope you will watch, enjoy and learn! We need your support to move forward and improve upon our delivery and quality.

As a reminder there will be 12 episodes in all for our first season and even stories coming from other Caribbean islands. These will be posted every Monday from now until Christmas, where we will take a break, then air the remaining episodes next year.

The first episode takes a look at a variety food innovations as one of the simplest ways to establish an agribusiness. That being said innovation is not always an easy thing. Took a look to find out more!

Being our launch we have a special two part episode: Part One above and Part two below.

Enjoy and Stay Dedicated!

A Rural Story: Value Chain approach for developing sustainable profitable market linkages

Originally posted on the blog for the Caribbean-Pacific Agri-Food Forum 2015. 

The Journey to Rafi’s rural farm in Trinidad and Tobago

A two and a half hour drive, over pockets of traffic, past aggressive transport truck drivers, across the rural landscape, and then barefoot through a ravine – all to meet “Rafi”, a Chadon Beni (Shadow Benny) producer of Rio Claro located in South Trinidad. This is a common herb used for seasoning in food preparation across the Caribbean.

The journey was long but so be it, as this is what it takes to meet with rural farmers across the country and many other parts of the region. The visit was meant to assess any possible pests and diseases which may be affecting Rafi’s Chadon Beni crop. Earlier he described a yellowing and stunting effect occurring with the crop. After a few minutes of conversation the situation became clear.

The bowl as it stands

Rafi explained that he farmed Chadon Beni for 15 years, acknowledging it as a crop that holds great profit, specifically due to the fact that a large percentage of Trinidad and Tobago’s local cuisine utilises this herb. Suffice to say the demand for the crop is heavy as the general local preference is that “the food must taste good” in which Chadon Beni is key. Additionally, the crop is highly demanded for export.

Also to note that Rafi has shifted from a farmer, as he also produced dasheen, dasheen bush, plantains and other crops, onto a middleman. This means he has significantly reduced his production levels in order to act as an in-between for other producers and their buyers at the country’s largest wholesale market. Living in the south of the country, he traverses the long journey every day as this activity is also profitable.