The Ministry of Agriculture is endorsing the use of the Health 2000 (H2K) AGRO line of organic stimulants in Jamaica in an effort to boost soil health and crop productivity.
State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Luther Buchanan said the use of the products is in keeping with strategies by the Ministry to introduce innovative sustainable farming methods to ensure the viability of the sector, thereby safeguarding the country’s food supply.
“We will produce greater quantities, which will feed more of our people, we will eat what we grow and we will be able to manufacture more value-added products and spend less on imports,” he said.
Mr. Buchanan was addressing the recent launch of Health 2000 (H2K) AGRO Jamaica at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.
The all-natural bio stimulants, which will be distributed locally by Health Brands Jamaica Limited, have proven to improve the yield and quality of crops including fruits, vegetables, and small grains.
The Ministry is testing products from H2K AGRO’s Innovative Package of Practice (iPOP) to determine its effect on local crop output.
The system is comprised of 12 liquid-based products, which are cultured from natural materials designed to rejuvenate soil microbial content, balance the pH levels of soil and plant, as well as increase the bioavailability of macro and micro trace nutrients in the soil. This results in improved quality and quantity of crop yield.
Through the use of these products Mr. Buchanan said that Jamaica will be able to increase productivity for the export market, and boost foreign exchange earnings.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to be associated with the launch of H2K Agro Jamaica. Based on reports to date, there appears to be a real potential for the inclusion of this technology in our agricultural sector,” he said.
Director General in the Ministry, Don McGlashan, who spoke to JIS News at the launch, said the H2K AGRO line, which is being successful used in other countries, is designed to improve the microbial activity in the soil, providing essential nutrients such as phosphorous, nitrogen, magnesium and potassium, that are present in healthy soil.
“We want to enhance that kind of environment so that we can have better crop yields,” he said.
He noted that the excessive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and tillage operations, can irreversibly damage soil and negatively impact crop production.
Trails of H2K AGRO commenced last year with the use of Vitazyme growth stimulant. The tests are still underway and are slated to be completed in the next six to nine weeks.
Vitazyme is an organic/all-natural liquid growth formulation which, when applied to soils, plants, and seeds, improves yield and quality. It contains approximately 12 biological activators that are non-toxic solutions for use in modern agricultural practices. The active agents include: vitamins, enzymes, and other powerful but gentle growth stimulators, such as B-vitamins, triacontanol, glycosides, brassinosteroids, and porphyrins.
The Health 2000 (H2K) AGRO system is manufactured by Innovative Eco-Care PVT. Limited in India and marketed by Health 2000 (H2K) Inc. in Canada.
