Suitable areas identified
for Aquaponics System
PHILIPSBURG--Several plots of land, suitable for Aquaponics, have been identified by Public Works Department as part of an attempt by Agriculture and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus to stimulate this system.
A definite selection of a plot will be made soon. Encouraging agriculture and fisheries is one of the economic diversification moves being made by government. The commissioner hopes that the development of this field will create more small entrepreneurs while providing fish and fresh produce grown on the island.
Aquaponics is an integrated fish culture (fish farming) and vegetable hydroponics production system. This produces marketable fish and vegetables under controlled conditions.
Hydroponics is designed to concentrate production of a vegetable crop into areas smaller than that which would be required in field production of the same crop. This is achieved by providing a high level of nutrients and water to the plants. UVI aquaponics system is designed to produce 35-45 cases of lettuce weekly and 700 - 900 pounds of fish every six weeks.
An approach to Aquaponics and its benefits were discussed recently by Buncamper-Molanus, her policy advisor and Ruth Boyrard-Brewster with Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) Director Ludwig Ouenniche.
In the past, SBDF, via funds from the Small Enterprise Stimulation Programme of the Netherlands Antilles (SESNA), had sponsored two groups of local farmers who visited the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) to learn more about aquaponics. However, this approach to farming never caught on because the required land could not be found.
Advantages of aquaponics include conservation through constant water reuse and recycling, organic fertilisation of plants with natural fish emulsion, and reduction of environmental footprint for crop production.
A spin off from Aquaponics that tie into the island’s main economic pillar is “Agri-tourism.” Based on research and expert opinions, the commissioner said an agri-tourism greenhouse will showcase modern technology in agriculture and add a new tourist attraction. “Visitors will learn about controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, organics and aquaponics while touring the greenhouses.”
