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?

Kale Kraze

Kale is enjoying quick and wide-spread acceptance on the local market. It features in the diet regimens of the health conscious and fitness enthusiasts. But where was this kale before all this attention? Somewhere in a dark corner of the discerning backyard gardeners yard space. But now with the introduction to the commercial market, the consumer response has been described as hungry chickens rushing to feed on dried, chopped coconut.

Why you should have kale

To whom do we credit the kale movement? The individual motivation to healthy lifestyles must be acknowledged in the first instance. Increased access to information has fostered greater personal responsibility in the prevention and management of health conditions such as obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Perhaps, we are juicing kale for all its worth for its anti-oxidant properties as increasing mortality from Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases creeps closer to home.  The work of the local Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development in promoting said produce has also increased market share. I was witness to a long line of persons eager to sample juiced kale at the World Food Day 2013 activities.

Kale presented for sale at the Rodney Bay Farmers' Market

Interestingly, "kale" is slang for "money" as seen in the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary. This urban terminology is apt. While the seedling price for other green,leafy vegetables for example lettuce is $0.40, kale seedlings cost $0.80. Market prices are comparatively the same with parcels of almost the same size sold for the same price. So how is this new green gold adding to the pockets of farmers? The volumes of kale sold far exceed that of lettuce. This leafy veggie is worth your consideration whether you are living the motto "health is wealth", or simply for wealth,.

Your Cup of Tea- Gwo diten

A plant by so many other names, it is known locally as Gwo Diten, French Creole for Big Thyme. 

The herb is most commonly used to add flavour for meat and poultry dishes. 

Traditional medicinal uses include treatment of:

1. Coughs
2.  Sore throats
3. Nasal congestion
4. Rheumatism 
5. Flatulence

Also called Indian borage and Indian mint, the plant is used in Indian traditional medicines for the treatment of:

1. Malarial fever
2. Hepatopathy
3. Renal and vesical calculi
4. Chronic asthma
5. Bronchitis
6. Colic
7. Epilepsy
8. Skin ulcerations and allergies

Admittedly, I had never before considered that gwo diten could be used as a tea until a very healthy-looking, middle aged lady with great skin shared that she had daily cups of the brew. Don't be misguided by the trend of thought that herbal teas are "old people's medicines". In fact, the younger generation has lived many more experiences than the older generation has lived in their lifetimes; increased exposure to increasing pressures of life leave us feeling worn and weary. Herbs possess very powerful antioxidants to keep even youth looking and feeling youthful.

Anthurium Adventure

Going by the book

All products come with the instruction manual? In this case it is the "Cultivation Guide Anthurium-Global Know-How for Growers aaround the Globe". However, I do not want to thoroughly read this 140-page book in one sitting on a subject that I will not be formally tested on. Luckily I have had the benefit of field trips of the St. Lucia Floral  Co-operative Society Limited during which I was privy to best practices. Also, mentorship has provided me with a live resource to refer to as problems require resolutions.  

Written guide

Getting down to work

The plants that I am responsible for are already planted but are in desperate need of some tender and devoted loving care to bring them to optimal productivity. Light work, I imagined....

New beginnings

Leaf Cutting

Did you know that old anthurium leaves use much sugar at the expense of flower production? Leaves are  therefore pruned to divert more of the plant's energy towards flower production. Too many leaves results in aborted buds, damaged flower buds and crooked stems. Regular pruning is also necessary for better air circulation which reduces problems of molds and bacterial infections. My ideal number of leaves is 4.

Weeding and Irrigation

"Weeds are flowers too once you get to know them" says Winnie the Pooh character, Eeyore. In the flower production business, weeds once identified have to be removed. Regular weeding of ferns and other weeds are required for its control. Chemical control of weeds in anthurium production is not recommended particularly  for newly planted crops and when new shoots are desired. If your production site is not near to a water source then your next labour-intensive task is irrigation.  Mostly I just hope and pray and watch the weather forecasts for rain to save me this task.  

So much to do...

Pests

Everything that can happen will happen. Slugs and snails feed on root tips and damage the leaves and buds. Caterpillars feed on the leaves.  The slug bait has been set and I am monitoring for progress. While white flies are present in the shade house they do not present much of a challenge. Butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of leaves and caterpillars when hatched feed on the leaves and flowers. While frogs are not a problem to the plant they do reduce my own life line every time one jumps from the coconut husks at me!  

One of  the better flowers

The Jam Diaries-Golden Apple

It takes a community to make a pot of jam

'Tis the season of golden apples. The green fruit ripens into golden yellow and that is how the fruit got its name. That is my version of the golden apple story and I am sticking to it. Sticking to my fingers will be sugary brown golden apple jam. As I take stock of the ingredients, I realise that one key ingredient is missing-bwaden: one of the spices of life. A special effort is made with my home-made jams, since the commercial jams have a smaller spice content. I walk down the hillside, cross the river and up the slope to the neighbour's to get some leaves. Its time that I plant a tree near my home.

Fresh picked golden apples

Does size matter? 

Large product representations are often used in marketing to capture the interest of the consumer. For instance, cereal boxes advertise large flakes on the front of the package. Despite previous purchasing experience and the fine print disclaimer, we are hooked every time. Jam making is not an exception to the marketing rule. I opt for medium- to large-sized golden apples. This allows for losses in the cooking process as some of the golden apple will break down into the 'sauce'.

The sugar and spice and everything cooks nice

Golden apples are picked, washed and peeled. The coal pot is lit. I prefer cooking jams on charcoals. Some argue that anything cooked this way tastes better and its true. My other reasons are to save cooking gas and to keep the coal pot traditions alive. 

The spices of life

My select spices are cinnamon, bwaden and nutmeg (both the nut and the dried mace). I have been saving up nutmeg mace since I learnt they are great in jams.The sugar and spice are boiled with water to reach a thick sticky consistency. It is important that there is not much liquid in the pot at this time. When the golden apples are added, they will simmer in their own juices.The fruit is added and the pot checked periodically to check the progress of the jam.

Red hot glowing coals

And the pot bubbles over

It takes a community to eat a pot of jam

The pot is off the coal pot and cooled. 

Golden apple-y Goodness

It is time to test my jam making skills. I think it tastes delicious but that is unconfirmed until I receive feed back from the community. I prepare small packages of jam for neighbours and friends. And before you know it there is no jam left. It is time to prepare another pot.