–as government pledges more support for shadehouse project
SIX single mothers from the Tiger Bay community are set to receive additional support to expand shade house cultivation under a government-backed initiative aimed at boosting income-generating opportunities through agriculture.
During a visit to the facility, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), will work with the women to develop additional shadehouses aimed at creating new income-generating opportunities.
He explained that the beneficiaries will continue to receive technical training and hands-on experience at the existing shadehouse project to ensure they have the skills and knowledge required to manage their own agricultural operations successfully.
According to the minister, each shadehouse has the potential to generate an additional monthly income of between $200,000 and $240,000 for the women.
The shadehouses will focus on the cultivation of leafy vegetables and herbs, including celery, with produce intended for sale on the local market.
The initiative forms part of the government’s wider efforts to expand economic opportunities, empower women and promote sustainable agricultural practices within communities.
The project was first launched back in January of this year. Under the initiative, greenhouse structures were established within residential premises, allowing participants to cultivate crops and generate a second source of income from their homes.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had noted that with support from the government, participants can utilise their cash grants to invest in the greenhouse project, which has the potential to generate more than $1 million annually for those involved.
30-by-20-foot shade houses were established within the Tiger Bay, Kingston and Cummingsburg area.
The Tiger Bay shade house project is being rolled out alongside similar initiatives in other areas, including Yarrowkabra, where another 50 homes will be established using the same model.
