Tropical agriculture (Part II)

GOOD morning to all you farmers and growers and people who read my column. How wonderful and powerful is the Lord. Never doubt it my friends. If you have true faith and believe in him, he will change your life. Why not ask him, pray, ask for his forgiveness and give your life to him today, I promise you, you wont regret it. In this world we live in today, nothing is free, except Gods love, all we have to do is to tell him we love him unconditionally. And he will shower us with his blessing and love. Why not read the bible and see how he helped in there, the bible is our instruction manual on how to live our life. Whether it be healthy, money, marriage, raising children, its all there, try it.

Lets pause for a moment: I have a friend whose faithful love Is more than all the world to me Its higher than the heights above. And deeper than the boundless sea. You are never beyond the reach of Gods love.

Our topic: The technical knowledge needed to keep agricultural production ahead of population demand, at least I think, until the end of this century, is probably available or can be readily adapted. The ways are obvious, but I feel its sufficiently important to mention again. We must try to prevent soil erosion from the hills, in the growing crops, in arable land, secondly, we must make fuller use of water resources, as we said many times before, emphasis must be on the conservation of rainfall, including mulching, and the development of irrigation under systems of complete water controls and economy irrigation water use. Also we must consider growing acceptable crop varieties that make more efficient use of light, distribute the increased assimilates more to the desirable parts of the crop (eg cereals with a high grain-straw ratio) have a high protein content, and are tolerant of pets and diseases.

Timely planting is also very important so that the best use of the rainfall and soil nitrogen, also make the maximum use of available organic manure's and where it is economic viable-purchased fertilizers. Again, in my research the experts suggest crop spacing, crop rotation, intercropping and relay cropping to make the maximum use of solar energy throughout the year, and protect the soil from rainstorms and the hot sun. And of course protecting the crops against pests and disease plus completion from weeds.

We cannot forget the development of animal husbandry, which includes disease control, and seeding of legumes in pastures, and the planting of legumes as browse crops. The supply of adequate drinking water, better utilization of grass and other local foods not used by man, such as molasses, returning the manure to the crops were possible. So if all of these thins suggested are used a more efficient use of labor will be necessary, to handle the improved machinery and tools, both hand and mechanical, particularly at periods of high labor demands.

To fulfill the labor requirement I think it would be a good idea for each municipality to consider establishing a farm institute or training center for the young people to learn the fundamentals of agriculture. As the younger generation of today, will be the ones to be running the country in the future, an idea such as the one suggest could stop or help prevent or reduce the continuing brain drain. Their knowledge and capabilities are needed here, not helping other countries economy. For the dedicated young people there are many avenues they could explore in agriculture. The more I see of traditional agricultural practices here, methodless and jumbled, the more I realize how adapted most of them are to be continue production with the tools available.

Under increased pressure to feed a steadily growing population and a desire to produce more cash crops, these systems often break down. Without effective extension workers it will be difficult to advise farmers how he is able to prevent this breakdown. Whenever a change is made in one part of the agricultural system, the rest of the one going system should be examined and if necessary modified. As a farmer increases his yield and sells his surplus, he is able to invest in other projects.

To increase production the farmers need an incentive to do so. This as we explained before, is where the government comes in. The people in power should have a motto: Help the people, and in return the people will help us. Think about it my approach was been to look at agriculture from within the tropics, as I live here it would be wrong of me to try and influence the people to use Western style techniques. It would just not work. Well friends I hope you have again found the topic of interest. Take care – see you next week...