The cost of fertiliser has put a dent in small farmers' ability to produce. However, with an expected reduction in it's cost, some farmers are excitingly planning ahead.

"I will be able to do my farming on a larger scale because with cheaper fertiliser, I will be able to produce more," said Errol Martin, a small farmer from Guy's Hill, St Catherine.

His attitude was spurred by the announcement of a reduction in fertiliser cost by Dennis Valdez, Newport-Fersan (Jamaica) Ltd's administrative manager. The price plunge takes effect June 1.

Though the level of reduction is uncertain, Valdez said the move would contribute to important savings to farmers.

Martin said the occupation, which he solely depended on for survival, had suddenly gone downhill, but that lower prices for raw materials would go a long way towards helping.

"I used to do big farming with a variety of crops but I have to put a limit on the things I plant now because I can't afford the amount of fertiliser required to keep up to the big farming," he informed.

"Things get rough and the economic crisis even makes it worse; the expensive fertiliser is killing farming."

He explained that at one point he believed his experience in farming (more than 25 years) would come to naught.

Planting less

The 52-year-old farmer grew a variety of crops, which included cabbage, tomatoes and yam.

He said he planted up to two packs of cabbage seed, but had to reduce the amount to less than half of what he initially intended.

"I am a man who loves my farming and I am happy there is potential for the activity because I was thinking of finding other ways to make money," he said.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com