Liranzo Encarnacion and Bianca Garcia left Santo Domingo about 15 years ago to try their luck in what used to be called “truck farming” and is not a modern variety called “shade farming.” They went to a tiny place in Monte Plata province and began gardening as well as more traditional agriculture. Today they grow over half a dozen varieties of lettuce for a well known restaurant chain. They are part of a program called Family Farming. Other table crops, like celery, radishes, carrots, spinach, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce varieties are all part of this innovative farming production.
In shadow farming part of the crop cycle is under a netting salvaging the crop from the intensity of the summer heat. These small plots, some only about 1/6 of an acre, can produce dividends for the growers.
As reported, the Ministry of Agriculture has provided seeds for cultivation and promotion of the final products. Men and women work the land, since the requirement for high quality produce requires careful husbandry of the land. Weeding and organic pest control and twice a week harvesting guarantee the freshest vegetables possible in the local markets and restaurants and supermarkets.
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Listin Diario
9 August 2021