Submitted by Damian Hinkson
Barbados is in a unique position to take advantage of the benefits of aquaponics. As a small island developing state, our socioeconomic situation is perfect for rapid deployment of this innovative technology. Unlike larger countries with sunken costs associated with traditional food production and industrial agriculture, Barbados has the advantage of starting fresh with aquaponics.
However, despite the many benefits that aquaponics has to offer, it is sad to say that we often fall into the trap of simply copying other countries instead of being original and taking advantage of the opportunities that we have. In this case, we are missing out on the opportunity to lead the way in the adoption of aquaponics as a main stream solution for sustainable food production.
With aquaponics, we have the opportunity to ensure that food production is always possible, no matter what happens. The system is powered by the sun, making it an energy-efficient solution that is also good for the environment. Additionally, aquaponic systems can be 100% rain-fed, meaning that they require no additional water source. In addition, by having an aquaponic system in your home, you are directly responsible for the care and well-being of the plants and fish, which means that you have to learn about the different plants and what they need to thrive. This is a unique opportunity for us to learn about plant biology and ecology, and to take an active role in ensuring our own food security.
In conclusion, Barbados has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of aquaponics and to lead the way in the adoption of this innovative technology. Let us not waste this opportunity by simply copying others. Instead, let us be original and embrace the many benefits that aquaponics has to offer. This is the future of food production, and we have the power to make it happen.
Unfortunately the man in the street could care less about the different technologies available to produce food. It becomes a topic of conversation when there is a disruption to the global supply chain. We are very myopic in our outlook. Our fixation is on the salacious and trivial.
The politicians are aware of the shortcoming.
Aquaponics have been in operation in Barbados for at least the last 30 years, there is absolutely nothing new about this proposal.
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The blogmaster’s interpretation of the article is that the author is imploring the government of Barbados to adopt aquaponics to help with agriculture production.
Can even grow marijuana, 30% more than any other method it is claimed, one pound per square foot!!
Rastas should love it.
It would be interesting if someone would tie this all up with water scarcity.
Asking for more information, not for or against.
@ TheOGazerts,
Simplistic logic dictates that aquaponics uses less water than most current methods of growing vegetables in Barbados.
buh doan mine me. I cudda and shudda been a farmer in babadus but….
There are the complementary benefits of fish farming etc.
@ TheOGazerts
https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-benefits-of-aquaponics#:~:text=How%20Does%20Aquaponics%20Save%20Water,is%20recycled%20and%20used%20timely.
@Hants,
That is a sound comment.
But should we assume that this will replace traditional methods or will be an add-on to traditional methods. I would like us to consider all of the implications instead of throwing stuff on the wall.
Thank you for your polite response.
Aquaponics has been discussed for years in this space and elsewhere as well as hydroponics. It is accepted that in land scare countries advanced technologies must be implemented to reduce the cost of production. Singapore is always a good example of maximizing land space for more productive purposes.
@ GOV.BB
Letter of Complaint
Barbados vision and mission cannabliss industry seems to have got stuck in traffic jams and can’t penetrate to I-ditate as the proceedings are so slow
Tell me what a gwaan with an official spliffical update
https://www.gov.bb/State-Bodies/medicinal-cannabis
TheOGazerts on February 7, 2023 at 10:56 AM said:
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It would be interesting if someone would tie this all up with water scarcity.
Asking for more information, not for or against.
Reply ↓
Hants on February 7, 2023 at 11:42 AM said:
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@ TheOGazerts,
Simplistic logic dictates that aquaponics uses less water than most current methods of growing vegetables in Barbados.
buh doan mine me. I cudda and shudda been a farmer in babadus but….
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It should use less water because the water is recirculated.
The field setting will consume more water but will not have the infrastructural costs of aquaponics.
If you use Google Earth and look at Hopewell where one such aquaponic enterprise exists, it will be apparent that there is also a large area devoted to growing in a field setting.
Need for someone to report on the relative successes not regurgitate the same old same again and again and again.
We all know it has benefits … and costs.
Probably find that it is good for certain crops but not for others …. eg yams and potatoes!!
Attempts with Yam
At home we used to grow our water cress in the gullly. Here I grow it in water in two containers. The outer has the water, the inner which is like a holey basket has some dirt and the seeds.
How expensive is the set up?
Reggae is my Teacher
Burn Babylon
It’s a long, long, long, long, long..
It’s a long time, I man a burn up the collie weed.
But it seems the Babylon them them them..
Come fight ‘gainst I.
Them a fight ‘gainst I.
I wanna know.. the reason why.
Babylon fight ‘gainst Natty Dread;
Babylon no fight ‘gainst the rum head;
Babylon no fight ‘gainst the wine head;
Only a, Natty Dreadlocks.
Say Natty Dread up ina Babylon,
Natty dread all over Rome.
Dread in a Babylon,
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/canopy-growth-smiths-falls-layoffs-finances-1.6742220
New six-month food compact agreed on
https://www.nationnews.com/2023/02/09/new-six-month-food-compact-agreed/