Farming ‘needs tech boost’

James Paul chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society. (FP)

Wed, July 25, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Using more technology in agriculture will help to encourage the participation of younger people, said James Paul, chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS).

Speaking last week during a Press conference to discuss the recommendations of a field study done by German professor Jens Born on local pig farming, he said there was some concern about the age of current farmers.

He noted however that newer technologies and methods would be more appreciated by younger people.

“I think there’s a bright future for younger people who are interested in learning new technologies.

“What we’re trying to do is to introduce new technology to the farming operations that certainly will excite the interest of young people, encourage those who are in farming to remain in farming, and [show] those who are attracted to it . . . that it is not just as in the old days, but it changes,” said.

Paul said the BAS was paying close attention to the types of animals that were being imported as well as trying to improve genetics.

“We are for instance looking to use improved semen, even the whole question of how animals are bred right now. We’re trying to rely more on artificial insemination,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ralph Holder, chief operating officer of meat processors HIPAC Ltd, the principal purchasers of local pork, said Born was able to give guidance regarding succession planning for farmers as well as waste management and energy efficiency.

“I think he’s left us with some recommendations we can now use to take forward the industry.

“It wouldn’t be the saving grace or solve all the problems in the industry, but I think it is a good start to helping the industry to become a lot more competitive in the future,” he said. (NB)