Barbados’ agriculture industry has not been spared the effects of constantly rising international fuel prices.
And for that reason, farmers are being encouraged to find innovative ways – such as the use of renewable energy – in their everyday operations.
Antonia Solomon of Simmons Electrical’s Solar Energy Innovations Inc. (SEI) told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY they coordinated with the Rural Development Commission to introduce solar energy farming at this year’s Agrofest exhibition, which was held over the weekend.
Solomon said this was the way the agro-industry will have to go in the future.
“It is all about savings on energy and money. It is a cheaper way of doing business. Farmers will not have to pay excess in electricity bills,” she said.
The yearly agricultural festival, which climaxes today, saw a number of students attending on Friday – the first day.
Here, students from a number of primary schools are fascinated by the huge solar panel at the SEI booth, which was providing the electricity to support the growth of a variety of plants.