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People have to eat to live. What do they eat FOOD!! How do they get it, "FROM THE STORE!" Yes some persons get
it from the store but where to the stores get their food supply.
Food has to be grown and/or reared by farmers.
These folks, cultivate, propogate, breed, rear, sow, reap... all the stuff commonly known as farming.
Here we
talk about food, how to grow it, how to get it and even how to sell it!
Agriculture is especially important to
small island states, and the effect of globalisation on the agro-industry is now being felt in the region.
Aquaculture in recirculating tank systems.
Today's feature on Agriculture
Is Aquaculture a Viable Option?
Aquaculture by definition can be described
as the production of aquatic species of animals and plants in a controlled environment. Yes the definition might be quite
"loose" however aquaculture incorporates food fish farming, aquatic plants, shellfish, crabs etc. This form of agriculture
is very old and has been practiced for centuries in Aisa and Africa.
We here in the Carbbean have been involved to
some extent in aquaculture but be could be engaged in soooo much more!
Firstly, aquaculture is an excellent tool to
combat poverty and to encourage economic sustainability. There are many variations of aquaculture that exist. Inland fisheries
is the term used to describe activities such as Tilapia farming as well as marine shrimp farming. These often require the
use of large areas of flat land, suitable for the construction of earthen ponds which the animals are grown.
However
aquaculture can be undertaken in cages in the sea as well as in tanks and large vats with recirculated water and aeration
systems. These "recirculation" aquaculture systems are often very expensive to set up but the returns on the initial investment
can prove to be very attractive.
Aquaculture is not limited to food production but also can include ornamental fish
and plant protection. The Ornamental fish industry is a multi-million (US) dollar industry today. Jamaica is well poised to
play a more active role in supplying the world market.
It is clear that we need to play closer attention to this potentially
benifical form of agriculture. Simply put "we caan lose, if wi try!"
Author
PETER EDWARDS
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