VIDEO - Trinidad & Tobago: Hydroponic Farms To Reduce Food Imports - Cube Root Farms

by Radhica De Silva

In a 40-foot container situated in a warehouse in Central Trinidad, lies an amazing freight farm with the capacity of producing over 1,200 heads of lettuce, chive and even strawberries.

Developed by Cube Root Farms,  the farm comprises of a state-of-the-art hydroponic farming system retrofitted inside a freight container.

Engineered by local agri-scientists and engineers, the farm is geared at producing enough crops to reduce T&T’s staggering food import bill.

Bronze lettuce grown in the farm. KRISTIAN DE SILVA

During an interview with Guardian Media, Cuberoot Farm’s lead engineer Hamlyn Holder said they were hoping to share their technology with interested persons.

“We will provide training and our aim is to set up this entire system for 20 farmers,” he explained.

Using a stacky system with a fully-automated nutrient flow, one section of the farm produces four varieties of lettuce and chive. The other portion has a drip-to-waste system using cocopeat where other types of leafy vegetables could be grown.

“Everything is constructed in-house. We utilize grow lights and this provides optimal temperatures for optimal growth. We use energy-efficient units to keep down operational costs while keeping plant performance high,” Holder said.

He said Agri scientists Jessica Churarian, chief executive officer Andrew Bridgemohansingh and Agri scientist Nkosi Felix were instrumental in establishing the farm.

“The Dexion shelving came from Massy, even the automation we put together. We have Alexa integration, CCTV cameras and we used local resources to put it all together,” Holder said.

He explained that everything grown on the farm is totally organic.

“We are aiming at using zero pesticides. Our systems are built so pests are mitigated against from bacteria to aphids or fungus. This type of technology offers a controlled environment when it comes to disease,” he explained.

After two years of trials, Holder said they were happy to report that more than 100 varieties of different crops could be grown in the farm.

Saying this was T&T’s only indoor farm, Holder said using the climate-controlled environment the farm can imitate the ideal conditions for crops to generate bountiful yields.

“We have grown strawberries, cherry tomatoes. We did many trials and technology gives that consistency. It is limitless and definitely can be used to grow any leafy vegetables as well as some flowers,” he added. Anthuriums were seen growing in the farm along with parsley, kale, baby spinach and cilantro.

Holder said the Ministry of Agriculture was very supportive of the project and so was the Agricultural Development Bank.

“We want to show this technology to the show this new technology to Minister of Health and the Minister of Education so they can incorporate technology into agriculture and reduce health issues as well as the food import bill,” he added.

Lead photo: Lead Engineer at Cube Root Farms Hamlyn Holder stands in a 40-foot container that was converted into a hydroponic farm at Preysal Crown Trace, Freeport.