MAINSTAY/WHYAKA farmers are expected to harvest a bountiful pineapple crop this year, according to Deputy Toshoa of the Amerindian community, Mr. Joel Fredericks. He said 120 acres are under cultivation and the plants are at various stages of growth and the recent heavy, consistent rainfall was a blessing to the plants.
Fredericks said reaping is to begin in April and the planters are looking forward to a good harvest.
The pineapples are grown on a large scale organically to supply the factory in the village, where after processing, the chunks are exported to France, the United States (U.S.), Britain, Canada and other Commonwealth countries.
However, the factory is also to produce a new line of product, pineapple juice, and government, during 2010/2011, invested heavily in helping the Mainstay/Whyaka producers, who are certified to grow the fruit organically, to put more virgin forested land under cultivation for the export and local markets.