The Chinese Agricultural Mission since taking over the management of La Sagesse farm on April 11 has embarked on a redevelopment programme for the farm to benefit farmers throughout Grenada.

Members of the media were updated last Friday on the progress made on the farm by Liang Zhichang, Director Agronomist.

He told reporters that the Chinese Mission will seek to introduce and demonstrate the production of new varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowers from Mainland China both at La Sagesse and on some selected farms in the country.

He spoke of plans to introduce new technologies and management strategies from China to local farmers as well as provide training for local farmers with the hope of using the farms to demonstrate the new technologies and management strategies to other farmers throughout the country.

The Chinese on the Mainland have taken over the La Sagesse project after the Keith Mitchell-led New National Party (NNP) government severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan earlier in the year.

Zhicheng said that since the Chinese on the Mainland overtake the farm from Taiwan, they have brought in seven experts in the areas of vegetable, fruits, flowers, irrigation, green house construction and management, and farm management.

The farm covers a total land area of five acres and is divided into two main sections: the living and training area, which occupies one acre; and the planting and green house area occupying the next four acres.

The following plots are established on the planting area: guava, carambola, Indian Jujube, Grapes, Wax apples, pine apple and asparagus and vegetable.

Prior to the Chinese taking over, the farm was in a very dilapidated condition as a result of damages caused by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

The four green houses were severely damaged two of which were totally destroyed.

In addition, the drainage and irrigation system was scattered everywhere; most of the fence surrounding the entire farm and the fence surrounding some of the plots were damaged.

According to Zhichang, since the Chinese Agriculture Mission from Beijing took charge of the La Sagesse farm a number of positive developments have taken place.

He said the damaged green houses and irrigation systems were rehabilitated, two new ones were built including one for flower production, and the irrigation system was reinstalled.

He stated that the frames in the grape plot for supporting the vines were rebuilt, the plot was pruned and pesticides were applied to control some pests and diseases.

The vegetable planting area was also redesigned and new varieties of vegetables and water melon were planted.

Vegetable seedlings, fruits and flowers were also sown.

It is hoped that by March next year, those plants would be ready for distribution to farmers in Grenada.

The Chinese experts also provided technical assistance to seven local farmers growing vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Staffer with the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture George Phillips who was on hand to witness the media briefing said that since the PRC Mission came to Grenada, the members have been working very hard to redevelop the La Sagesse farm.

He spoke of taking them to different farms throughout Grenada so that they could see what the island’s agriculture is like.