The stage is set for Jamaica’s peanut production to increase following the introduction of an intervention programme by Hi-Pro, a division of the Jamaica Broilers Group.

As part of its mandate to assist Jamaican farmers towards profitability and sustainability, Hi-Pro has been working with peanut farmers to revitalize the industry through the provision of technical support, soil sampling tests and education on best practices in peanut production.

Jamaican farmers have been experiencing low yields in peanut production for the past three to four years, resulting in a 25-30% decrease in yields, based on a study conducted by RADA.

“The study identified disease and pest infestation, poor quality nuts, soil nutrient deficiencies, and adverse climatic conditions as common problems plaguing the peanut farming community,” said Dagreon Burton, Technical Agronomist at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies.

In addition, Tricia Jackson, Operations Manager at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies noted that: “Hi-Pro’s aim is to assist peanut farmers with increasing their yields by up to 70% per acre and we have the product portfolio to make this happen.”

“We have seen great results since Hi-Pro introduced the peanut resuscitation programme and are working with our farmers on increasing local production to a point where manufacturers can reduce their importation of raw peanuts,” she continued.

On July 21, Hi-Pro hosted its first peanut seminar in Lacovia, St. Elizabeth where the company introduced the Hi-Pro Peanut Programme to local farmers, following a number of highly successful demonstrations.

Of the nearly 2,000 registered farmers in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, 80% are engaged in peanut production. Since February, 2016, Hi-Pro has been conducting a pilot programme on the farm of peanut grower, Valerie Jones in Seven Corners, St. Elizabeth.

“Since the demonstration on my farm, I am getting more pods per plant, more bushels per acre, and healthier plants overall. My plants are so leafy that weeds have no space to grow,” Ms. Jones noted.

When Ms. Jones started her peanut farm, she was reaping 40 bushels per acre, with low density planting of seven bushels per acre. Since incorporating the Hi-Pro Peanut programme, she has seen an increase in yield to 90 bushels per acre at low density planting, with the possibility of adding more plants per acre.

Among the products in Hi-Pro’s peanut programme are BASF Chemical’s Regnum and Opera, which offer the “Agcelence” effect that changes the overall development of the plant, improve plant health and increase yields per acre.

Hi-Pro’s Technical Agronomist Dagreon Burton explained that the products reduce ethylene production in the crop, giving it a younger and healthier appearance, while reducing the stress affecting the plants.

Hi-Pro will have these and other products on display at the Hi-Pro Booth the Denbigh Industrial & Agricultural Show at the Denbigh Showground, July 30 to August 1, 2016.

“We encourage our farmers to visit our booth, learn about our crop programmes and get the full benefit of our technical expertise,” Mrs. Jackson said. “Be sure to come and Grow with Hi-Pro!”, she noted.