… want pineapple factory to become operational
Farmers in the Amerindian community of Mainstay/Whyaka in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have complained over the lack of markets for pineapples as harvesting is in full swing. Harvesting commenced mid-May and was expected to end in June. The lack of markets for pineapples forces farmers to go to various markets and villages.
One such farmer was Gwendolyn Gordon. Gordon, a mother of four, said that the pineapple factory in Mainstay was presently down and farmers were forced to seek outside markets. She said the factory was down because the overseas buyers has stopped purchasing farmer’ pineapple. “We really want this factory to be in operation; we have to sell our pineapples for little and nothing; the market is currently flooded and the prices is low plus sales is slow.”
The 56-year-old Gordon cultivates a four-acre plot and this crop she anticipates will yield more than 500 pineapples. Every crop, she said, the sales of pineapples provide an income for her family.
Gordon explained at the Friday market, she would sell approximately 200 pineapples. She is presently stationed at the Anna Regina old market junction selling pineapples. The price for a pineapple ranges from $100 to $500, with three pineapples being sold for $500.
A very young pineapple farmer, Veletta Fredericks said this was her second time selling pineapples and in comparison to the first time, sales were very slow. The 24-year-old farmer said that the competition was very “tight” and many times, farmers were forced to sell their fruits for a meagre profit. She said she would arrive at her selling location as early as 06:00h and retire for the day at 17:00h. She noted that the money she would accumulate was used to provide for her family.
Fredericks further noted that many persons from the Amerindian community were involved in the cultivation of pineapples as their main economic activity. The mother of one said since she was a child she has known about pineapple cultivation.
Other farmers selling at the Anna Regina and Bush Lot Markets are also calling for the pineapple factory in the area to become operational, as sales were slow. They highlighted that their pineapples were purely organic and they took pride in the cultivation of the fruit.
Main source of income
Mona Pearson, a mother of three, said she looked forward to pineapple harvesting every year, explaining that it provided her family’s main income. Whenever pineapples are not in season, she would resort to planting cash crops. Pearson sells the sweetest pineapples and prices them according to the sizes. The most expensive one is $500.
Another farmer, Nalinie Singh, also lamented the slow sales. Then, standing under the sweltering sun with her tables packed with pineapples, Mary Williams said she sold pineapples for her daughter. “Mainstay is blessed with pineapples, but we need markets and farmers would be happy with prices then. Women farmers work hard to take care of their families; look how we stand up in this hot sun selling,” she noted.
Pineapple farming in the community has been one of the main sources of income for residents living in the sandy community located approximately 10 miles from the Essequibo Coast Public Road.
Over the years, the cultivation and marketing of the tasty fruit have paved the way for community development, advanced educational possibilities, tourism enhancement and a better life for residents. (Indrawattie Natram)
