Acting Principal of Manning’s School in Westmoreland, Megan Berry, says students at the institution are set to benefit tremendously from a new greenhouse recently handed over to the school by Food For the Poor (FFP) in partnership with the Digicel Foundation.

“The fact that you have the greenhouse technology, it therefore means that they [students] will get a chance to learn how such technology can increase production. So, it’s really the practical aspect to it that is of great benefit to our students,” said Berry.

The almost $1.2 million greenhouse was handed over to the school during a ceremony on February 17.

Almost 1,800 students on roll at the Westmoreland school are expected to benefit from the newly constructed 1,500 square feet facility established on the school’s property.

Berry said that with young people moving away from agriculture the school is of the opinion that greenhouse technology will encourage more young people to get involved in agriculture.

“We believe that the greenhouse is one technology that is going to encourage more young people to go into agriculture and also to see the possibilities that exist in agriculture,” said the acting principal.

Manning’s presently has a vibrant agriculture programme which has produced several outstanding students, including sixth-former Taylor McKenzie, who is the regional top-scorer in the 2014 sitting of CSEC agriculture in the Caribbean.

The agriculture department of the school supplies most of the vegetables needed for the institution’s canteen, saving almost $50,000 per month. The school also sells some of its produce to teachers and the general public.

The school farm currently produces sweet potatoes, lettuce, plantains, mangoes, poultry, goats and rabbits, while the greenhouse presently supplies cucumbers, sweet peppers and tomatoes.

The new greenhouse is outfitted with shade netting, galvanised pipes, ultraviolet treated greenhouse plastic, water tanks, an electric water pump, screen filter, fertilisers, seedlings, flower pots, gutters and an irrigation system

Chairperson of the Digicel Foundation, Jean Lowrie-Chin alluded to the benefits of such an investment.

“We are delighted that the Manning’s School has taken such great initiative in investing in greenhouse technology as a means of not only generating income to offset some of the school’s operational expenses, but also, exposing these students to this advance and sustainable method of farming,” said Lowrie-Chin.

Agriculture teacher, Demerce Guscott recalled that the school had a greenhouse, which was in a dilapidated state and a proposal was sent to FFP for possible assistance to have it repaired. However, during a FFP site-visit to the school, he said, it was determined that the school’s greenhouse was beyond repair and a new one needed.

The foundation in collaboration with the FFP approved the project last June, and work on the facility commenced two months later.

Construction of the greenhouse was completed last month, and already the school has begun to reap a variety of crops.

Executive Director of FFP, David Mair said no longer will the school and students be at a disadvantage.

“No longer will the school’s agriculture programme be threatened because of a dilapidated greenhouse. No longer will the institution be forced to rely on other suppliers to provide their canteen with vegetables. No longer will students be only exposed to traditional agricultural methods,” said Mair.

“Having a new greenhouse means students can utilise more innovative methods of producing crops by using advancing technologies in agriculture. Additionally, producing crops in a controlled location will ultimately enhance the income generating arm of the institution, while enabling self-sufficiency.”

Meanwhile Judith Moore, who spoke on the behalf of the Ministry of Education said, “our young people stay clear of this area [agriculture] as they see it as laborious, sweat busting and low pay. As such, any institution that takes step to change the perception of students towards agriculture must be commended.”

Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz, pointed to the importance of agriculture as a profitable business.

“People have to understand that agriculture is a big business, it is a profitable business,” he argued.

Manning’s School is the third educational institution to benefit under the FFP greenhouse technology assistance initiative.