VICTORIA Greens Hydroponic Farm is a local company with foreign investors from the United States of America (USA) and Colombia, that has developed a state-of-the-art greenhouse producing wholesome, organic vegetables with the ‘farm-to-table’ concept.
Senior Sales Manager of Victoria Greens Hydroponic Farm, Roland Beckles-Lamazon told the Pepperpot Magazine that their company is the best and most revolutionary hydroponic farm located at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
He reported that their greenhouse is a hydroponic farm where innovation and nature merge to produce soil-free crops in a very controlled environment. Beckles-Lamazon explained that hydroponics is a method that eliminates the need for traditional soil by substituting it with alternative materials to support plant roots.
He added that this allows crops to be cultivated directly in a nutrient-rich water solution. While there are various approaches to designing hydroponic systems, the fundamental elements remain consistent.
Beckles-Lamazon stated that they have utilised nature, technology, and innovation to manipulate the growth process to produce healthy, wholesome, chemical-free crops.
Victoria Greens, which comes under the Seal Group Agriculture company headquartered in the city, was registered and established a year ago following a successful meeting with President Irfaan Ali and the investors.
Beckles-Lamazon pointed out that Victoria Greens produces more than 40 different varieties of crops with the goal of reducing the importation of certain vegetables to Guyana by 25 percent.
He added that they are looking to produce more crops locally to meet the demand and provide a healthier, fresher option.
Their version of locally grown pak choi at Victoria Greens (Shaniece Bamfield photo_
Beckles-Lamazon told the Pepperpot Magazine that their produce is on the shelves of all leading supermarkets such as Mattai’s and Bounty, and they have had a good response so far since the local input has made a difference in the crops they produce.
He disclosed that Victoria Greens employs all Guyanese, with about 10 full-time staffers who are given equal opportunities to elevate themselves.
The Senior Sales Manager of Victoria Greens noted that President Irfaan Ali had a tour of their facility a few weeks ago, and he was impressed by their operations at Mon Repos.
Beckles-Lamazon stated that Victoria Greens provides three types of services, which include Green House, supermarkets where their packaged crops are delivered, restaurants/retailers, and wholesalers who deliver their products, and they also do home-delivery for individuals.
He revealed that Victoria Greens grows herbs such as kale, sweet basil, spearmint, celery, parsley, coriander, dill, lettuce, vegetables, leafy greens, fresh fragrant herbs and edible flowers.
Beckles-Lamazon added that they will continue to introduce newer crops, and they have on the local market micro greens, which is ideal for salads or garnish.
He reported that they grow a variety of lettuce, five main types and other vegetables that we used to import on a large-scale basis.
Their version of locally grown pak choi at Victoria Greens (Shaniece Bamfield photo_
The representative of Victoria Greens said, “We will always produce newer crops to tantalise the palette with crisp, fresh produce to meet the growing demand locally, since we have a support base,”.
Beckles-Lamazon disclosed that they are hoping to expand their operations with three new farms to grow more crops such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and other non-traditional crops.
He stated that Victoria Greens hydroponic farm is a state-of-the-art facility spanning an impressive 2,500 square metres. The farm is dedicated to producing a vibrant array of leafy green vegetables, aromatic herbs, juicy strawberries, edible flowers and crisp cucumbers.
“With an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, we are proud to provide year-round, fresh and healthy produce,” he said.
With the aim of reducing our local import bill by 25 percent by 2025, NAREI has launched a hydroponic project in collaboration with a privately-owned company, Victoria Greens.
The nursery has a capacity to produce 100,000 crops, and 25,000 crops are currently being grown.
The facility is utilising a nutrient film technique, meaning the crops use a nutrient solution to grow, cutting the need for fertilisers.
Additionally, the environment is pest-free, making the crops 100 per cent organic. The government is integrating these cutting-edge technologies into the local agricultural system, to increase food production, achieve food security and cut the more than US$5 billion import bill by the Caribbean region.
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Publish date : 2024-08-31 18:50:00
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