A career that is flexible and allows you to be in tuned with nature, are reasons why Rawleson Lewis chose to become a farmer nine years ago. An avid short-crop cultivator, the 35-year-old farms various plots within the Historic Parish with various types of crops-carrots, cauliflower, cabbages, beans, pumpkin, cucumber among them. His favorite crop to grow is tomato. “This crop takes a lot out of you it’s really challenging, you have to be patient with this crop.”
Rawlson has a high production rate, he attributes his successes to a number of important practices: “Proper preparation, timely fertilisation of plants really helps me. These are some elements that help me to produce as a farmer, especially with my tomatoes, because they are delicate plants, so you need to be delicate with them .”
“Personally, I believe that I can produce a bit more, but based on the market, sometimes it does not make any sense,” Lewis admitted, while explaining his challenges. Another of the challenges explained was Praedial Larceny, as he said, there have been a couple of instances where he was affected by this crime.
He is proud to be a farmer and to be playing the role he does in ensuring food security. “Food security starts with us; I am very happy to be a farmer. The role I play is very valuable to me, keeping the food chain going, building the society, and contributing to the community. We are important in keeping the country going as well. We know that food is big part of life.”
Lewis wishes to continue as a farmer and has aspirations to scale up production and venture into new varieties of crops. Persons wishing to purchase from this farmer are encouraged to contact him on (473) 418-6282.
Things to note about Rawlson:
- He cultivates short crops.
- He manages and cultivates on many different plots of land in St.Patrick.
- He believes that preparation and timely fertilisation are critical factors that contribute to plant health.
MANAGEMENT OF BURNING DISEASE IN TANNIA
Prepared by: Troy Augustine , Agronomy Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Tanteen, St. George’s, Grenada ,Edited by Chief Agronomist et al May 2012
- Tolerant cultivars
- Clean, disease free planting material
- High soil fertility
- Use of Ridomil, Rizolex or Acrobat fungicides as a soil drench
- The field must be well drained and easily cultivated.
- Waterlogged soil conditions favour the development of the fungus that causes the disease. Select a field which enjoys moderate rains throughout the year. A location with moderate rains, 140 – 200 cm (56 – 80 inches) during the growing season is ideal.
Disaster Management for Livestock-Provided by Chief Vet & Livestock Officer (Ag), Dr.Kimond Cummings.
Intensive housing system. (Part 1).
- Before any natural disaster, the building should be adequately assessed to ensure that it can withstand the elements that are characteristic of natural disasters, this would include corrugated or thatched roofing, concreted pillars, and ventilated walls.
- Ensure deep, wide slipper drains to be able to remove large volumes of water and storm drains wherever possible (larger farms).
- Feed storage area should be elevated and watertight to prevent spoilage. The feed area should have a capacity to hold one week supply of feed. The feed area should be free of rodents and other pests.
- There should be designated disaster resistant storage facilities for water (tanks) that should be sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation. These facilities should have a capacity to house a minimum of three weeks supply of fresh clean drinking water.
Handling of Pesticides
Pesticides are one of many tools available to us for effective protection of crops from weeds, insects, and diseases. Pesticides require special care and handling. The following practices outline safe, responsible, and effective procedures for pesticide use and handling that can help protect our environment, our water supplies – and ourselves.
Pesticide users must follow all legal requirements such as:
- Eliminate or minimize exposure to pesticides during mixing, loading, cleaning, and applying. Always read the pesticide label for information on required personal protection equipment.
- Know what to do in case of accidental pesticide exposure. Provide emergency wash stations for personnel exposed to pesticides and develop a safety plan complete with information about locations and telephone numbers of emergency treatment centers for personnel exposed to pesticides.
- Always ensure that you are accompanied by another individual when dealing with pesticides.
- Follow all local, regional, and international regulations regarding the transport of pesticides.
In addition to legal requirements, consider the following voluntary Best Management Practices (BMPs) when making pesticide application and handling decisions.
- Wash affected areas after possible exposure to skin and remove personal protective equipment prior to eating, drinking, or smoking. Shower at the end of the day or after completion of application.
- Wash and inspect personal protective equipment after each use. Wash clothes exposed to pesticides separately from other laundry.
- Know what to do in case of pesticide poisoning. Have a pesticide first aid kit readily available. Check the product label for instructions and call the nearest medical center in the event a pesticide is swallowed, or in the event of a serious dermal or inhalation exposure.(Minnesota department of agriculture, 2018)
Planting Days: July
1st – 2nd
A barren period.
3rd – 4th
Good days for transplanting. Root crops that can be planted now will yield well.
5th – 7th
Poor days for planting, seeds tend to rot in ground.
8th – 9th
Plant seedbeds and flower gardens. First day is a good day for transplanting. First day is also most fruitful day for planting root crops. Second day is most favourable for corn, cotton, okra, beans, peppers, eggplant, and other aboveground crops.
