Farmers Explore Modern Agriculture Techniques in Cayo Exchange Program

Belize’s agricultural sector is getting a boost through hands-on collaboration, as farmers from the south are being exposed to modern farming techniques and cooperative success models in the west.  On Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, through its Department of Co-operatives, hosted an agricultural exchange program in the Cayo District, bringing together farmers from Stann Creek for a day of learning, innovation, and practical demonstration.  The program opened with remarks from Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson and Minister of State Alex Balona, both of whom underscored the government’s continued investment in agriculture as a driver of job creation, improved livelihoods, and national economic growth.  Throughout the day, participants visited several successful farming cooperatives, gaining first-hand insight into modern production systems.  At the Sayab Farmers’ Co-operative, farmers toured cover-structure production facilities and processing areas, where they observed value-added practices and marketing strategies. Crops such as lettuce, kale, herbs, and sweet peppers are already being supplied to key markets including San Ignacio, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Belize City.  At the Oxmul Farmers’ Co-operative, participants saw how open-field farming is being transformed through the use of plastic mulching, drip irrigation, fertigation, and smart agriculture sensor technology. Demonstrations highlighted crops like cantaloupe, papaya, and watermelon, showcasing how innovation is increasing yields and profitability.  The exchange continued at the Maya Green Growers Co-operative, where farmers observed peanut and carrot cultivation, along with a carrot-washing machine designed to significantly reduce manual labor. The visit emphasized how cooperative structures can strengthen productivity and shared success among members.  Meanwhile, at the San Antonio Women’s Co-operative, members shared their journey from a small poultry initiative to a growing enterprise, highlighting resilience, diversification, and the power of community-driven development.  The tour also included a stop at the Agro-processing Unit at Central Farm, where new product development is underway. Among the highlights was a plantain, cassava, and cheese-based product introduced by Dr. Maria Yacab, which shows strong potential for Belize’s local market.  Southern farmers expressed strong enthusiasm for the technologies and cooperative models demonstrated, with several indicating interest in forming and registering their own cooperatives in the near future.