The Roxborough Police Youth Club (RPYC) is ensuring more young people can start growing their own food using the hydroponics method. Hydroponics uses nutrient-filled water systems to cultivate leafy vegetable and herbs like kale, chadon beni, celery, parsley, chive and lettuce, all in a relatively small space.

The project was started a few years ago due to sponsorship from the New Zealand High Commission, and was revamped earlier this year through support from the Digicel Foundation. Funding has enabled the club to expand its greenhouse and upgrade its hydroponics systems and machinery to the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and the Deep Water Culture (DWC).

RPYC President Collis Hazel said learning about hydroponics has created a positive avenue to engage members.

“Food is sustenance. Food is life. And therefore we have seen it all the time. Tobago farmers are an ageing population, and therefore as a dynamic youth organisation, we need to focus our attention in ensuring that we restore that level of farming on the island and what a better way than to introduce it to the young ones,” he said.

 The project is also meant to generate income for the club.

“This farming is easier. It’s more controlled farming than normal regular farming, where you have to dig out weed, cut down trees. With this now you’re eliminating

weeds and trees. You’re planting on water and basically coconut fibre,” manager of the Hydroponics Greenhouse Farm Akessa Alexander said.

As RPYC members continue developing the club’s farming ventures to enhance sources of income, the Tobago House of Assembly continues to advocate for sustainable agricultural development.