A group of determined women in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, is redefining farming through the Ministry of Agriculture’s shade house project, aimed primarily at supporting single-parent households. The initiative, which was launched to empower women and small-scale farmers, is proving successful as these women prepare to turn their new-found opportunities into sustainable income to provide for their families.
The pilot project is expected to see 100 shade houses constructed, each supporting the cultivation of 400 pepper plants. To date, 40 shade houses have been completed, with construction of an additional 10 set to begin today. The project’s aim is to equip small farmers, especially women with the tools and materials needed to grow high-quality crops, enter new markets, and generate a steady income.
During the project’s launch in May, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha emphasized that its primary goal is to uplift small-scale farmers in Crabwood Creek and surrounding communities. By providing shade house materials and construction assistance, the ministry seeks to create a brighter future for these farmers, especially the many single mothers who are seizing this opportunity to support their families.
One such beneficiary is 35-year-old Natasha Dhanraj, a single mother of two. Growing up in a farming household, Dhanraj saw the shade house project as a lifeline. “Normally, when I plant, my crops would wither in the heat. I was so thankful for the shade house. It’s been a blessing,” she shared. Now cultivating callaloo, lettuce, and celery, Dhanraj is generating much-needed income to support her children’s education and household expenses.
Similarly, 33-year-old Reshma Rampersaud, a mother of four, expressed optimism about the initiative. She plans to cultivate peppers, a crop she believes will greatly ease the financial strain of sending her children to school. “With the children in school, the expenses are high. This project will help me cover their needs,” she said.
Shade house farmer, Reshma Rampersaud.
For Raveena Arjune, another single mother from the same community, the shade house will provided more than just vegetables but it has given her a renewed sense of hope. “Whether it’s additional income or fresh vevegetables to cook, the shade house has made a big difference in sustaining my family,” Arjune shared.
Shade house farmer, Raveena Arjune.
Beyond just the women, the project is also helping other small farmers like Kumar Tulsie, who has expanded his production with the support of the shade house. Growing tomatoes and peppers, Tulsie said, “The government’s assistance has been a great help, and everything is going well. The shade house protects the crops from the harsh sunlight, and we’re seeing good results.”
Farmer, Kumar Tulsie.
The shade house project is not just transforming the landscape of farming in Crabwood Creek but also transforming lives, offering women and small farmers the tools to build a better future for themselves and their families.
