Winifred Innis is still using her ‘green thumbs’ at 82

ALTHOUGH the 10-acre farmlands were owned by her late husband, Edward Innis, who passed away two years ago, it was Winifred Innis, who provided daily care to the various crops they planted.

The duo, who was married for 66 years, had made the hinterland community of Hosororo their home. That lifelong union produced eight children, who became the centre of their universe. Providing for their children with a loving home environment, access to education and food were their main priorities.

“My husband had a full-time job that ensured we had a steady income but it wasn’t enough because our family is big…so we planted crops to earn extra money and get food to eat…we never bought any fruits or vegetables…we ate what we grew…you can’t have land and go buy bora that is shameful,” the 82-year-old farmer said.

Innis had three major roles in the home: she was a wife, mother and farmer. After seeing everyone off to work and school and completing household chores, Innis would visit her farm daily. There she provided care for each crop. And, there were many crops such as citrus, nutmegs, ground provision and vegetables.

“I believe crops need care and attention to grow, that is how we treat our farm. Back in the days when my husband was around, he would spend his Saturdays and holidays working on the farm and I would be by his side. He had a big say in what we planted and how the lands were allocated. All I did was to tend to our crops and made sure they grew well,” Innis recounted.

Now that her husband is no longer around, her three adult sons have a more integral role to play in the farming operations. Innis still maintains a prominent role in the family business, especially during the dry season, when navigating down the hill is not a challenge. Her involvement gives her a sense of independence.

Innis said, “I like being able to plant and earn my own money. My children have their own lives. They have their own families. As long as I have health and strength I will plant and reap my crops. I would pick my fruits and sell to Hosororo Primary School for its School Feeding Programme. Whenever, I get fruits I would supply that market.”

And even though her children argue with her from time to time to relax, Innis wishes to do more. She wants to plant turmeric and ginger, which have become two main crops in the district thanks the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. However, owing to personal reasons she cannot diversify her farm in that direction.

Nonetheless, she is still involved in the spice industry through the production of nutmegs. And, while the nutmeg trees are sometimes used by the institute for planting materials, Innis sees her husband’s efforts in them. After all, those trees were planted by her husband’s hands decades ago.