December 31 (JIS): The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging private-sector support for the Backyard Gardening Programme. Under the initiative, kits containing seeds, fertiliser, chemicals and tools such as small forks and shovels, as well as information, are provided to interested persons across the island to support planting. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Chief Executive Officer at RADA, Winston Simpson, said the entity wants to increase the number of kits available but needs support to do so. He noted that the demand for kits exceeds the 3,000 that are available. “For the future, we are looking to expand these kits where we include a watering can and any other things that are needed. Right now, we are concentrating on the basics but depending on the support we get we can expand the kits,” Mr. Simpson noted. “We are using this opportunity to invite partners to join us in making more kits available because the demand is greater every time than our resources. As such, we would like some public-private-sector partnerships. We invite any private-sector entity that wants to come on board to assist us in making this programme have more longevity,” he added. Mr. Simpson is encouraging individuals who receive the kits to make the best use of the resources. He noted that the kits are provided to persons who apply on “a first-come first-served scenario”. The Backyard Gardening Programme was created with a view to enabling residents in urban and peri-urban areas to grow vegetables and herbs in small spaces within their backyards or community spaces. The programme continues to be an integral component of the New FACE of Food initiative, which focuses on addressing the island’s food insecurity. RADA views the initiative as important for the well-being and survival of Jamaicans, by cultivating a variety of crops to ensure immediate access to fresh and nutritious food. For details on the Backyard Gardening Programme, persons can visit RADA’s website at rada.gov.jm.

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