TOMATO TIME

"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad"-Miles Kington

A beautiful day for tomatoes

Well into the second month of the Dry Season, Saint Lucia experiences unusual daily rains and cooler temperatures. It is particularly disturbing to have rain intermittently throughout the day. And the chill, the terrible chill! But thankfully today is a better day- The sun is shining uninterrupted. A relative is harvesting tomatoes (local name: tanmadòz). Sunny conditions are best for him, as it saves him the additional process of wiping each tomato dry. Moisture on harvested tomatoes increases post-harvest losses. Each minute and every ounce of energy is valuable to accomplish the day's work.

Towards the end of last year purchasers and consumers lamented the lack of tomatoes on the market. In fact, tomato production has declined in recent times. The greatest challenge to tomato production remains the usual suspects-white flies. On the bright side, I am proud that the farmers of my community have met that challenge. An extension officer had remarked at the healthy condition of the tomato plants observed.Today that hard work is paying off. This farmer has an order of 10 crates to fulfill to a supermarket chain and another order for the Castries market vendors. The present buying price for tomatoes at the commercial purchaser is $3.00/lb. Prices to vendors at the local market are negotiable.
I walk to the neighbouring farm site, in the hopes of taking some good photos. It is not only a good day for tomatoes but a good day for photos too. Soon enough, I found myself assisting- "Many hands make light work". 

The tomatoes are picked in buckets and then carried to the shade of a mango tree to be sorted and packed into the crates for transport to the purchaser.

FRUIT LOSS:

The two most significant causes of fruit loss observed were:

1. Hungry birds: The young farming community has devised a noisemaker of old cans and rope to scare away the birds. Large bags are also affixed to the top of poles planted in the fields.The fluttering sounds and movement in the wind are employed to drive the birds away. These methods reduce extent to which the crop will be affected by hungry birds.

   

   The casualties

2. Blossom-end rot: The plant, like the human body requires nutrients to for growth and productivity. A calcium deficiency in tomatoes manifests itself in dark blotches on the bottom end of the fruit. As the circular patch increases in size, the area becomes soft and sunken and therefore renders the fruit unmarketable. 

   

   Tomato troubles

It was a successful day with fifteen crates of tomatoes harvested. Remember the farmer, when next you will wisely be using this fruit in your vegetable salad.

We needed 10 and finished with 15! Phew!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Sorrel plants with Saint Lucia's iconic Gros Piton in the background

Red-The Colour of Christmas

How did the colour red become the accepted colour for Christmas? My theory is that Sorrel (local name: Lozèy) is in season at this time. As the red calyces begin to develop, so does the seasonal cheer. Crops of sorrel cannot be grown throughout the year. The plant is photoperiodic and thrives in the shorter days towards the end of the year. Planted in June, the plants flower in September/October with the harvest due date in November/December. The life of the plant may extend to January/February.

Sorrel on branches

Sorrel-The Drink of Christmas

Detached seed pod and calyx

Christmas celebrations in Saint Lucia would not be complete without a sorrel drink.  In fact, most if not  all local Christmas songs mention it in their lyrics. It is especially important to have something cool and refreshing to drink to pass our sunshine Christmas. The calyces are harvested by cutting in a circular motion around the base of the seed pod and lifting the calyces off. Be wary of tiny, prickly bristles which get stuck into your fingers and hands in general. I generally keep my fingers clear of them or wear something protective. To avoid the prickles altogether, a purchase of ready-cut calyces can be made at the local market or supermarket.

Recently I learned that sorrel juice can be drawn by steeping it for a few weeks in water at room temperature to preserve the nutritional content. Some recipes instruct boiling the calyces. I am somewhere in the middle. My sorrel drink recipe is made special by infusing it with spices such as cinnamon, ginger and dill. I pour hot water over the calyces and spices and allow to steep overnight. I prefer my sorrel drink very concentrated. There is no need to be sparing on something in such abundance, so delicious and so healthy. After the mixture has been drained, sugar is added to taste. The drink is best served cold.

Dried calyces can be dried and stored so that you may continue to enjoy the joy of Christmas throughout the year.

Sorrel flower

Sorrel flower

As much as it is a pleasure to make, it is a pleasure to drink. If you will be having some, do enjoy. And for my friends who will not have the privilege, I will keep you in my thoughts. Do share your own Christmas special traditions.

Additional resources:
Purdue University: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html
Plants of Saint Lucia: http://www.saintlucianplants.com/cultivated/hibisabd/hibisabd.html

      

COLEACP PIP-NEW TECHNIQUES IN AGRI-EXTENSION

What is PIP?

When this learning opportunity came knocking on my email address, I immediately took to Google. I had so many questions: "What is COLEACP?" and "What is PIP?" among others. Maybe you are like me- new to these acronyms and scouring the internet for information. In that case I will direct you to the official  COLEACP website at this link: http://www.coleacp.org/ . The full term for PIP may prove more difficult to find. What was previously called the Pesticide Initiative Programme has grown to be more inclusive. The programme was first developed in response to the challenge of pesticide concentration on agricultural produce in excess of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Now the initiative has grown to embrace food security and sustainable agriculture issue such as: 

1.  Ethical Trade
2. Environmental Impact of Pesticides
3. Integrated Crop Management
4. Alternative Production Systems including Organic

COLEACP and the Caribbean Farmers' Network (CaFAN), hosted a two-week training in Saint Lucia for Caribbean extension workers and affiliates from December 2-14, 2014.

Each participant received a training kit containing ALL of these. Thanks COLEACP!

New Methods of Training

It was a tight schedule for the two-week training. Participants were trained in both the Training of Trainers Techniques and the Field Training Workshop Methods. Even before we arrived at the workshop venue on the workshop start date, we had been assigned projects. The momentum was maintained until the final day of workshop activities.

Some of the topics explored included:

1. Adult Learning
2. SIOM-Subject, Interest, Objective, Method
3. Food Safety
4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Sustainable Agricultural Production
5. Pesticide Label
6. Pestcide Resistance
7. Questioning Techniques
8. Traceability
9. Training Aids
10. Training Programmes

Field Trip! Farm Visit

Group work

What did we learn? How are we going to use it?

On the last few days of the workshop we were honoured buy the presence of COLEACP PIP Managing Director, Mr. Guy Stinglhamber who listened to the final presentations of each represented country's action.

On the first day of the training, we were daunted by restrictions to our use of good old Power Point presentations. Dare I say that some of us were lost! But in short time, we came to the realisation that Power Point was just old. We were all converted  to the Field Trainer Workshop technique, acknowledging that adult learning requires participatory training technique and tapping into our creativity.We all vowed to continue the momentum, using these techniques in our professional and individual capacities.

Congratulations to the Graduands!

Pigeon Peas

What's in season?

Local Pigeon pea (local name: Pwa Angol) trees are flowering. Lovely blooms of red and yellow are forming against the green foliage. The flowers are an attraction for hummingbirds and bees. Aside from aesthetics, these plants support biodiversity. Pigeon peas are a fixture of the home garden in rural and sub-urban areas. They are regularly intercropped with sweet potatoes due to their nitrogen-fixing ability.

Beautiful

Touch and Feel

The pea pods can be harvested as soon as you feel firm peas. Both the mature pods as well as dry pods are collected. After collecting, shelling the peas is the next step in the process in preparation of peas for consuming. This chore can be uneventful unless you have a phobia of caterpillars. Peeling back the shell will reveal caterpillars feasting on the peas. As a result, there will be need for sorting of peas-removing the half-eaten peas from the whole ones. Peas can be stored in the refrigerator until ready for cooking. The next opportunity for selection of peas is at the time of washing. 

Caterpillar out for a walk on pigeon pea pod

Wholesome Goodness

Pigeon peas has been a favourite from childhood days. They can be enjoyed as a separate dish or as part of a dish. As members of the food group, Legumes, they are an excellent source of plant protein.Still your food safety concerns. Generally pests, not even the caterpillars, are not controlled by agrochemicals.

Yum! Ready to cook

Papaya Production

What is your favourite fruit? Papaya (local name: Papay) is a worthy candidate. This tropical fruit is served most often as a breakfast fruit. With its high water content, the nutritional value of papaya includes the water-soluble vitamins A, C and E; mineral content and fibre.

Papaya estate

Today I visit a farm in papaya production at Marquis Estate and not a moment too soon. Farmer E. is getting ready to harvest. The trees are laden. This dwarf, yet high-yielding variety is called Red Lady. The plant is a self-pollinating variety that is noted for its resistance to the papaya ring spot disease.

However, they are not as resistant to Anthracnose and Bunchy top diseases which currently challenge papaya production in Saint Lucia. Anthracnose is caused by the fungus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Initial symptoms  of this disease manifests itself as watersoaked, sunken spots on the fruit. As the fungus develops the coloration of the spots change from black, then pink, then brown. Eventually, the flesh becomes soggy and spreads to the entire fruit. Anthracnose affects fruit both in the field and post-harvest.

Anthracnose on ripe fruit

Advanced stage of fruit rot

While Bunchy top is a transmitted by a leaf hopper, a1993 IICA Production asserts that the Bunchy Top is triggered by mineral deficiencies, the disease source being mycoplasma ."Bunchy top can be distinguished from boron deficiency by the fact that the tops of affected plants do not ooze latex when pricked". 

Both these diseases are controllable.

Bunch top advanced stage

Farmer E. believes that both the quality and quantity of papaya production establish papaya worthy not only at the breakfast table but also at the trade table to supersede banana production. While attempts have been made, papaya production has not significantly developed since historical 1993. The same diseases which plagued sustainable production and supply still exist. Commercial production was and still remains limited to the local market. The control of these debilitating diseases is a pre-requisite for the development of a papaya industry with export quantities and quality for international markets. It is also important to invest in research for the development of varieties that are resistant to disease. The Caribbean's competitive advantage over producers in sub-tropical areas also lies in:

• Shorter time required to flower
• Reduced period for fruit set
• Reduced time to harvest

Please share your thoughts on the potential of the marketability of papaya.

Other sources: 

Papaya: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/papaya_ars.html#Diseases

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: http://plantdiseasehandbook.tamu.edu/food-crops/fruit-crops/papaya/

Plantain Plantation

Immature Plantain 

It is Sunday. It is 5:00 am. These are perfect conditions for sleeping in. But there is work to done and it shall be done. The farmer's day generally begins much earlier than other professions. With energy of purpose we set out on the expedition for young plantain plants for re-planting. We are sourcing the plants from Albert's farm at Marquis Estate, Babonneau. This rural area in northern St. Lucia is known as the bread basket of the north.

The distance over unpaved, potholed road is shorter than road surfaced with asphalt and gravel. However, reduced speed does nothing to ease the pain of the inescapable bumps of the road. At our destination, we begin to ascend the plantain-planted slope equipped with bags, cutlass and digging implements. No sooner have we set off when a Giant African snail greets us "Good Morning". Albert is nonchalant about the pest problem. He shares that he has plans for the chemical control in the coming week.

Giant African Snail working its way up a plantain plant

All is progressing well until what seems like a passing rain cloud darkens the already overcast sky. The light showers which interrupt our work develop into sheets and sheets of cold rain. It is possible for rain to be especially colder, running down your back at 6:00 am. The silver lining is that we are given an opportunity to slow down and take in the view. Seemingly, waiting out the rain will take whole day. We abandon shelter of plantain leaves and continue digging out plantain suckers in the pouring rain.

Black sigatoka looms over plantain/banana production

Rainy days

 It is disheartening to know that all this productive land has been earmarked for hotel development. The immediate impact is the displacement of the livelihoods of farmers. On a national level this is contrary to strategies for increased food production, food security and environmental responsibility. Albert remarks at the several bunches of fallen plantains: "See how food is wasting in this country". Today they will not be wasted as I am taking them all home. My "party bag" also has sugar cane, limes, oranges and bay leaf. I all but roll down the muddy slope lugging my finds.

One of many fallen plantains

It has been a productive day and the day has barely started. Now it is time for sleep. 

Like water off a plantain leaf

Reporting from Rwanda for the ICT4Ag Conference

The plane taxis to a stop while the perfunctory airline safety protocol is announced.  Jimmy Cliff’s timeless tune, “I Can See Clearly”, welcomes us to Rwanda. The nostalgic words coming over the system have never been more profound:

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone.
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It's gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sunshinin' day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sunshinin' day.”

From my window seat, I can appreciate the beauty of the day despite my fatigue. This journey across different time zones began on the night of October 30. Cold rain greeted me in London and the day was spent under overcast skies. It was a night flight out of Heathrow too and dawn was only breaking when the plane landed in Kenya. But today, November 1, sun streams through the plane window-the light at the end of the tunnel!

Bright, sunshining day

As the plane prepared to land, and the rolling landscape became more defined, I marveled at the land distribution. Rural development was planned into a seamless quilt of shades of green and brown. Even from way up here, the place looks so clean! Rwanda’s “almost litter-free” status had been indicated in the information package provided by the event organisers. Admittedly, I instead entertained anxious anticipation of being hauled off to prison or fined. I’m expecting a search of my luggage “at the border and even at police checkpoints throughout the country” to enforce the plastic bag ban. I mentally review the contents of my suitcase. Never in my travelling history has a bag been more carefully packed.

Window seats are always the best

My first experience in Kigali, Rwanda validates it as the choice of venue for the ICT4Ag Conference. Technology is very evident from the start. At immigration I am asked to look into the webcam on the counter for my photo to be taken. My thumb prints are also electronically scanned. This is my first entry point of this trip through several international airports which requires this of me. It is only fitting that this is where we engage discussion on ICT applications to farming, fisheries and livestock. I am especially eager to discover the existing ICT solutions, the latest technological innovations, in agriculture. Lucky for me these will be on exhibition on Day 1-Plug and PlayDay.

Before the official Conference activities from the November 4-8, the Social Reporting team will be trained in the use of social media tools to generate broad online awareness, interest and participation for events beginning with the ICT4Ag Conference.  The ICT4Ag Social Reporting Team is a diverse group from ACP countries. I look forward to this interactive learning experience. The journey to become an ICT4Ag Professional, particularly skilled in social media and social reporting has brought me this far in such a short space of time. I see a bright sunshining future for me.

Where are you on the road to achieving your goals?