Hutchinson Seeks Increased Agricultural Cooperation between Cuba and Jamaica

Processing machines, irrigation systems for small farmers, windmills and greenhouses are among a wide range of equipment identified as possible areas of cooperation and technical assistance between Cuba and Jamaica by the Hon J.C. Hutchinson, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Minister Hutchinson made these comments while speaking at a function at Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine where the operation of several Cuban-manufactured agricultural implements was demonstrated on April 19.
“Our vision for the agricultural sector is one that will drive industrial development … and as we seek to modernise the sector, technological advancement and the increased use of appropriate implements are necessary to stimulate growth and productivity,” said Minister Hutchinson.
Noting that Cuba has a vast range of equipment that could be used in the agricultural industry in Jamaica, Minister Hutchinson said the successes of Cuban scientists and technologists in developing appropriate, low-cost innovative technologies are well known and he was therefore eager to assess the suitability of the equipment for the Jamaican terrain.
“We are looking to bring in some small processing machines in for use in specific areas where the farmers will be able to take their vegetables and fruits and they are processed to puree,” said Minister Hutchinson as he lamented the large amount of fruits and vegetables that go to waste every year. The puree, he said, would then be processed into juice which would be used in schools as part of their breakfast programme.
Minister Hutchinson in making reference to the relationship shared, historically, between Cuba and Jamaica in areas of cooperation such as health, education, tourism, agriculture and industry, stated that it was the Government’s intention to revive that relationship.
Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche Hernández, said the demonstration of the Cuban-manufactured equipment was part of an initiative of the Cuban Embassy to find new areas to increase trade and business in correspondence with the high level of relationship between Cuba and Jamaica. This demonstration, Ambassador Hernández said, would show the capabilities, techniques, durability and usefulness of the implements to large, medium and small farms in Jamaica.
The demonstration of the harrow24/26”, light cultivator, furrower and a plough was conducted by Cuban company GESIME in collaboration with Caribbean Cable Company Ltd (CCC) on a four-acre plot at the Ministry’s Bodles Research Station. GESIME has been in operation since 1961 and has 44 companies and 39,000 employees while CCC is a distributor of farming machinery and equipment manufactured by Cubans, especially for tropical environments.
—30—