The Editor, Sir:

I have been reading with interest the comments by various people since the minister of agriculture made his cassava speech. Cassava comes in two varieties, bitter and sweet. The bitter is toxic and needs careful handling for it to be eaten. The sweet can be eaten prepared in many ways such as boiled, roasted, baked, etc. Both varieties produce excellent starch which could minimise the use of the ready-made spray starch.

Cassava is a long-term commodity as it and yams take nine months to a year to be ready for harvesting. Faster carbohydrate crops are potatoes, both the sweet variety and the so-called Irish, which take no more than three months for harvesting. Then there are root vegetables like carrots and turnips, which are ready in three months or less.

Potatoes vs rice

Potatoes can be used in many ways and are easily cooked, saving on the extended use of cooking gas or electricity. Rice can be grown in many areas of Jamaica and should be given serious consideration by the Government.

For local food crops to be widely cultivated, the agriculture ministry and by extension, the Government, must initiate real incentives and assistance to farmers that will encourage young people to see agriculture as a viable means of making a profitable and sustainable living.

Appropriate marketing must be made available. I suggest buying stations for large-scale purchasing of the commodities harvested. Freezing and canning should be considered as an extension of the processes.

I am, etc.,

LES FRANCIS

ashfran2@yahoo.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica