The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sustainable Technology and Urban Kisaan to construct five hydroponic farms around the country.

At a signing ceremony held on Monday Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell told attendees the government will invest $2.2 million into the project. He said, “this partnership will be completed in four phases. Phase one will involve the necessary permits and financing. Phase two will involve manufacturing, logistics, construction and installation as the project will take place on five islands namely: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Abaco and of course Cat Island. Phase three of the project is a transitional phase as the project progresses the focus will shift towards knowledge transfer and capacity building.”

Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis was also in attendance. He spoke about the impact of technology in farming on environmental sustainability. “Our country, The Bahamas, is an ocean state. We are one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change. And so it has been our effort to ensure that we lead the way by embracing technology and innovation that will ensure that our carbon footprint is lessened in the world and around the world. And so, again, this initiative lessens our carbon footprint. I was surprised to learn over the last couple years what impact farming has on our climate because of the manner in which we farm, because of the products used in farming like pesticides.”

The final phase of the project will include the handing over of ownership to the government.