MAY PEN, Clarendon — Eighteen-year-old Ishmael Smythe is proof of the power of the agriculture. The sixth former at Ferncourt High School developed a line of aloe vera-based products that helped him earn the title of National 4-H Champion Boy 2023 and a $1-million prize.

Now he is telling all his peers who will listen that they need to go out on a limb and try agriculture.

“My youth, dip a toe in agriculture, just you toe, [don’t] put the whole foot. Once you dip you toe, the whole foot will follow. And if you don’t know how to start, try 4-H,” said Smythe.

“They have community clubs, school clubs, colleges and more, there are many ways to get involved. Just put a toe, after that everything will just fall in line, trust me. I did that and look where I am now,” added Smythe.

He made the appeal during an interview with the Jamaica Observer from the 4-H booth at the 69th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Food Show. Smythe proudly spoke about the products he has developed.

“The teabag, soap and compost are all made organically from the locally sourced aloe vera plant. The aim was to do my part in combating climate change while being part of the ‘Grow smart, eat smart’ initiative,” he explained.

According to Smythe, the soap is good for acne scars, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

“There are a lot of benefits to this plant that I didn’t know about until I started doing my research. For instance, if you have a cut and put some aloe gel on it, it starts healing within two days — which is a shorter time than regular medicine would take. It also fights bacteria and infection. The organic tea bag is blended with ginger to take away the bitter taste and it’s recommended that it be sweetened with honey if you desire a sweetener,” the teenager said authoritatively.

“During my research, I found out that as much benefits aloe vera has for the human body, it has the same benefits for plants. Just the skin gives added potassium and nutrients to the plant; it gives it a real boost. I also found that mixing it with chicken manure makes excellent compost and within a couple weeks you will see major differences in your plants,” Smythe noted.

All three of his products have been tested and are safe for use.

He told the Observer that his school club encouraged him to enter the 4-H Champion Boy competition.

“They have this culture where they push you to do your best. Once you have an idea, the initiative and the drive, they take you and help you to make it a reality and I love that very much about my school, they nurture the young minds and encourage them to be their best,” Smythe said.

“Now as a result of my ideas that came to life I am now 4-H Champion Boy and I am enjoying it so far. I really must big up Tedroy Gordon, my parish manager who has made this process so easy,” he added.

Smythe said he has set aside 50 per cent of his winnings to fund his business and he is saving the other half to finance his education as he plans to study veterinary sciences or dentistry.

“I am really appreciative and thankful to 4-H for giving me this opportunity and a start. I will be sure to share my experience with others to let them know that 4-H did this for me,” said Smythe.