“I grew up in a farming community; I had family members who were farmers. It was our livelihood from childhood, so it was easy for me to become a farmer,” said St. Andrew resident, Lindon James.
James, who began his farming venture in 1996, returned to the land in 2013 after spending some time abroad. His major crops include tomatoes, butternut squash, watermelons, cucumbers, beans, lettuce, and pat-choi. Lindon, who goes house to house within the community to sell produce, also supplies Foodland Supermarkets.
This farmer says his best farming practice is land preparation. “You have to care for the plants, just as you would care for a baby. We as humans love living in a clean environment, it is the same for plants.”
He is pleased with the role that he plays in ensuring food and nutrition security. He said, “I have a zero-hunger passion; I always try to reach the people who have difficulty in finding food. It is a joy to provide safe, healthy, and quality food.”
Three of the challenges identified by this farmer include harsh weather conditions, pests and diseases, and praedial larceny. According to him, he is mostly impacted by praedial larceny and has been unable to harvest soursop from his farm, due to the crime.
“I have had my trees produced for about five years. Last week was the first time I was able to sell soursop for myself; usually, I don’t get any, it is quite difficult,” he explained.
In the next 5-10 years, Lindon James wants to try growing onions and plantains. His long-term goal is to retire from full-time farming and perform in a supervisory position.
