Overview of Project Scope

The aim of this study was to investigate the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago and find
the pros and cons of the sector, methods of successful practices, crops in demand, crops best suited
for the climate and packaging / distribution of the crops. Taylor Agri-Solutions were given a
prospective land that would be used for cultivating these crops. The land is located in Wallerfield
and spans approximately 30 acres. Methods such as observation of the terrain and soil tests were
run to determine the type of soil the land was composed of. Market research was done to narrow
down specific crops in demand that would be our main target. Subsequent to settling on target
crops, in-depth research was done on each crop chosen such as resilience to climate, required soil
type, optimum temperature needed, time taken from cultivation to harvesting and profit margins.
The research gathered from the crops also assisted in evaluating farming methods that could be
used.

Research Methodology and findings

In order to gain information about Agriculture, the prospective land, crops in demand and
Greenhouses the team utilized various research methods. A mixed methods approach was taken.

Reading & Analyzing

Initial information about the Agricultural sector in Trinidad & Tobago was obtained from reading
articles published in local newspapers and online sites such as the Ministry of Agricultural, Land
& Fisheries, The Ministry of Trade and CARDI. Here we observed the challenges faced by local
farmers which were identified as irrigation and drainage being inefficient when it floods, poor
assistance from Ministries, lack of finances, inability to control pests without using an excessive
amount of pesticides, the seasonality of crops and unsteady cash flow.

Information about Greenhouses was also obtained by sifting through academic articles found in
the UWI database and other exeternal sources.

Soil Tests

Subsequent to observing the 30 acres at Wallerfield the team’s soil scientist took samples of the
soil to run further tests at a lab to determine the soil’s pH and moisture content. Electrical
conductivity was also used to ascertain the nutrients contained in the soil.
Site Visits

The team made site visits to farms and Greenhouses to observe the scope of operations and
practices used. A small farm in Barataria was visited where a farmer did domestic farming on
approximately 1/4 acre of land. He planted hot peppers and had 120 pepper plants. His pepper
plants were attacked by whiteflies and a type of fungus that caused discoloration on the leaves as
his farm was an open farm. Despite these setbacks he was able to harvest large, appealing peppers
which he retailed at $2 each.

A greenhouse in Aranguez was also visited where we observed that the greenhouse only had the
covering and no side protection. It was approximately 60 feet by 40 feet in size. The reasons for
this was the expensive price of the polyethylene covering and need for ventilation to keep the
temperature down. The team learnt that this greenhouse changed the covering every 6 months to
2 years depending on the extent of weather conditions faced. The plants were also cultivated in
trays that were lifted off the ground by red bricks, everything was done manually and lacked
automation. This particular greenhouse was operated by 12 labourers. Seasoning, eggplants and
lettuce were cultivated at this greenhouse. They stated that they faced no detrimental issues with
their operation.

Interviews

Greenhouse owner Neil Lackhansingh was interviewed to find out the challenges faced with
Greenhouse farming. His farm was approximately 1/4 acre large, located in Santa Cruz. He
expressed his challenge with heat retention in the greenhouse. He tried using a misting system but
to no avail as the temperatures failed to show a significant drop. He also expressed his desire to
produce and sell peppers as it is a profitable direction. He believed by growing his peppers in a
Greenhouse it could increase yield and quality that would make his product desirable in the market.
However, he is yet to find a solution for the heat retention problem. Other interviews were also
conducted with several farmers and vendors.
Issues faced in the agriculture sector
The current GDP brought in by the Agricultural (comprised of farming, fishing and forestry) sector
in Trinidad & Tobago is 0.4%. Thus, highlighting that most of the food consumed is imported.
This is a direct downfall that the country is heavily dependent on imports because there is no safety
net in case of a halt in importation; for example the halt in Sept 2001. Thus, becoming a nation
that is self-sustainable should be a mission. However, there were pertinent issues that thwarted
farmers from having successful agricultural endeavors to secure this sustainability.

Constraints to the Development of the Agricultural Sector:

● Seasonality of crops
Different seasons are favorable for different crops. Thus, when a crop is “out of season” they are
imported in order to satisfy the demand. Not only is this an inconvenience to consumers but it
leaves gaps in having a steady cash flow. As a result there is a fluctuation in prices or a shortage
of particular crops.

● Flooding due to improper drainage and irrigation systems

Farmers have suffered greatly for the lack of proper drainage and irrigation systems. Farms can be
completely destroyed by flooding. Traditional agricultural practices do not prevent against
excessive rainfall which causes cracking of the crops and waterlogging. It is also expensive to
install preventative measures to secure crops from flooding.

● Pest and insect infestation and viral/ bacterial diseases

The lack of enclosure with traditional farming practices makes farms susceptible to pests and
insects such as: aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, thrips, beetles, spider mites. Diseases spread by
nematodes and water-borne diseases (through flooding)

● Lack of Finances
Farmers are unable to access capital that is at a scale to produce enough crops to sustain the
country. This lack of finances contributes to the limitation of the variety of crops produced to
satisfy the needs of consumers. The issue of seasonal crops also stunts the steady cash flow. High
prices of seedlings and chemicals becomes difficult to purchase making it difficult to produce
crops of high quality.
 ● Small Farm Sizes
The average “large size” farm in Trinidad is approximately 5 acres. This is evidently not enough
acres of food to supply to a country. Further to that most farmers are found to produce condiments
/ seasoning crops such as: chives, celery, shadon beni and also crops like tomatoes, pimentos,
peppers, ground provisions however these on a much smaller scale. Other crops still have to be
imported because of the demand by consumers and lack of supply from local farmers.

Agriculture as a lucrative sector

The Agricultural sector plays a vital role in the economic development of a country. According to
an article by Macatta (2016) “Increase in Agricultural production and the rise in per capita income
of the rural community, together with the industrialisation and urbanisation, lead to a demand in
industrial production.” From research, increased agricultural output and productivity can
substantially contribute to a country’s overall development.

Building the agricultural sector and providing a variety of food crops in order to minimize on
importing crops can save the country’s foreign exchange. As a matter of fact, maximizing the
country’s potential to produce enough to export to neighbouring countries and beyond increases
the foreign exchange coming into the country.

The growth of the agricultural sector can catalyse the emergence of other sectors to also flourish.
Utilizing the raw materials by processing and manufacturing products can further develop the
economy and contribute to the reduction of importing as well as building up other sectors.

It creates a sense of security in the event of a halt in foreign trade. In the event of a crisis food and
water security are top priority to anyone’s need. Depending heavily on imports is risky, thus it is
of a nation’s best interest to be self-sustainable to ensure there is a stable source of goods.

Description of site at the Smithfield Pig Farm

The Smithfield Pig farm located in Aripo, east Trinidad lies on flat to gently undulating land with
little erosion potential- which is suitable for mechanization. The 41 acre plot that has been
proposed for pepper production is situated on the Northern end of the farm on generally flat open
land. The top soil shallow to medium in depth and a substantial amount of gravel and small
quartzite rocks, which were deposited from the Northern range, are present. Further exploration is
necessary to determine if there are large rocks that are close to the surface. If this is the case, then
these rocks would need to be removed during land preparation. Nevertheless, hot pepper is a
swallow rooted crop therefore its production should not be limited by the thin top soil.

The land is situated on the Valencia soil series, which is a sandy clay loam with free drainage in
the top soil and imperfect to impeded drainage in the sub soil, which can be corrected with adequate
surface and subsurface drains. According to the Land Capability Survey of Trinidad and Tobago,
which was prepared by Brown and Bally in 1970, the Valencia soil series has a very low fertility
naturally—lacking in all nutrients—and therefore require substantial fertilizer inputs to become
productive. The Taylor Agri-solution’s team is still working on determining the status of essential
plant nutrients at the Smithfield site; however, information of the nutrient status of the native soil,
according to Brown and Bally (1970), is presented in the table below:

Table 1: CEC and concentration of selected nutrients of the Valencia series according to Brown
and Bally (1970)

CEC Ca Mg K C N P
cmol+kg-1 %
Top soil ( 3 0 0.0109 0.00312 1.4 0.1 0.00006
12.5 cm)

One should note that the cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of ability of the soil to hold
nutrients. A CEC of 3 cmol+kg-1 is indicative of a soil that has a very poor nutrient retention
capacity. In addition, the data in the table above suggest that the concentration of these nutrients
are way below the suggested sufficiency levels for peppers—i.e., Nitrogen (N), 4-6%; Phosphorus
(P), 0.35-1.00%; potassium (K), 4-6 %; Calcium (Ca), 1-2.5%; and Magnesium (Mg), 0.3-1.00%.
However, the completion of soil test for samples taken by the Taylor Agri-solution team would
provide data on the actual nutrient status of the land in order to have better estimate of the fertility
input that would be necessary to optimize the productivity of the land. One should also note that
the N concentration reported in the table is actually total N in the soil rather than N that is
potentially available to the plant. The data on the available forms of N, once acquired, would give
a better idea of how much N would need to be applied.

Besides conducting analyses to determine the texture of the soil, the Taylor Agri-solution team
also analyzed the samples that were collected for pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The pH of
the samples ranged from 4.36 to 5.05 and averaged 4.7, which is below the 5.5- 6.5 range that is
recommended for hot pepper production. As such, lime (e.g. lime stone/ aglime) would be
necessary to raise the pH of the soil at-least 3 months prior to planting. The type of liming material
used would depend on the efficacy per dollar that offered by the said material. Aglime (calitic and
dolomitic) lime stone is the most widely used liming agent due to its cheapness. Aglime, however,
it takes a longer raise the soil pH, when compared to other liming agents such as hydrated lime
(calcium hydroxide) and burnt lime (calcium oxide), which are more expensive. Nevertheless,
aglime can be an effective and economically viable liming option if a high enough grade is used.
The results of a lime requirement (LR) analysis would help to determine the actual quantity and
cost of lime that would be needed amended the soil to a pH that is appropriate for pepper.
Nevertheless, an estimated cost, based on a 1000lbs/ acre application rate, is provided in our
financial summary.

Electrical conductivity is a measure of the quantity of salts in the soil solution and gives an
indication of soil salinity. It may also give a fair indication of the soil’s fertility status. Typically,
most crops require an EC that is below 4dSm-1, as above this threshold plants can exhibit water
stress due to an osmotic effect. The EC values of the soil samples (measured in a 1:1 soil-water
suspension) ranged from 0.0113 to 0.0325 dSm-1 and there therefore below the 4dSm-1 salinity
threshold. This low EC also suggests that the soil is perhaps devoid of essential plant nutrients
such as calcium, management, and potassium.

Justification for recommended crop (Hot peppers)

Hot pepper is regarded as an important nontraditional crop in Trinidad and Tobago where it is
utilised in the fresh and processed forms. Hot pepper products are traded extensively both on the
domestic and export markets. The Caribbean varieties of hot peppers, including the landraces
grown in Trinidad and Tobago, are among the hottest peppers with strong flavors and are much in
demand on the world market.
 General soil and fertilizer management for hot peppers
Land Preparation

A hot pepper production site should be one that facilitates the use of machinery in soil production.
The land should therefore be cleared of all trees, stumps, rocks and be graded to remove
depressions. In addition, access to quality irrigation water is imperative.

Once a suitable site is selected, the land must be properly prepared prior to planting. The land must
be leveled carefully to minimize disturbance of the top soil. The land must be subsequently chisel
ploughed to a depth of 38- 76cm to break any hard pan or clods that may be present and left for 2-
3 weeks before rotorvating. Because most crops, including hot peppers, require a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
for optimum growth, lime stone is required to adjust pH that may fall below this range. Soils in
Trinidad are typically acidic and therefore require liming before production; this amended should
be applied before the final rotavation at a rate as per recommend by the relevant soil test. Last but
not least, adequate drains and beds (where necessary) must be constructed prior to planting. The
operating cost of a tractor, which will be used in the preparation of the land, averages $100/hour
in Trinidad.

Fertility management

Sound fertility management is imperative in any crop production system. Fertilizer rates should be
guided by the results of soil and leaf analyses to ensure optimum productivity at the lowest cost.
Additionally, the history of the field, residual fertility, plant population density, and expected yield
level should also be taken into consideration when deciding on a suitable fertilizer regime. The
suggested sufficiency levels of macro-nutrients for peppers are: Nitrogen (N), 4-6%; Phosphorus
(P), 0.35-1.00%; potassium (K), 4-6 %; Calcium (Ca), 1-2.5%; and Magnesium (Mg), 0.3-1.00%.

The following blanket recommendation can serve as a broad guideline but must be refined
according to the soil and leaf analyses: 360 - 540 lb/ac (403 - 541 kg/ha) NPK in a proportion of
4:1:3. Typical, a one acre (0.4 ha) hot pepper field at a spacing of 40 - 60 cm x 90 cm (8,000 -
10,000 plants per/ac; 19,760 - 24,700 plants/ha), require about 152 lb N/ac (168 kg N/ha), 98 lb
P2O5/ac (110 kg P2 O5 /ha) and 223 lb K2O/ac (250 kg K2O/ha). Other essential nutrients, such as,
calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients (iron, zinc, boron, etc.) can be supplied through
other amendment.

Market preference

Although market preferences vary from country to country, from time to time, and
depending on the intended use of the peppers, it is possible to outline some general criteria
for market acceptability for the various purposes. The fresh fruit market generally prefers
a large fruit (>0.35 oz or 10 g), with a thick pericarp, with a deep green colour when
immature turning to red when ripe. The fruits should be of medium-to-high pungency with
a strong flavour. Certain varieties such as Scotch Bonnet have characteristic shapes,
pungency and flavour profiles that are preferred by the market. Although all varieties of
hot pepper can be ground to make pepper sauces, the purposes in table 2 are some
recommended uses of the varieties.

Productivity

Productivity is an important criterion in selecting a variety, since it determines to a large

degree the profitability of the operation. Productivity is also affected by planting density
and the local adaptability of the variety. In Trinidad and Tobago, the average productivity
of hot pepper varieties is very low being around 15,000-35,000 lb/acre (16,815-39,235 kg/
ha); all things being equal, the main reason for low yields is the low planting densities used.
Farmers usually plant 2,000- 3,000 plants per acre (4,940- 7,410 plants/ha) thereby
obtaining the low yields.
 Summary of potential challenges and possible solutions for hot pepper production

Advantages Common issues faced Possible solutions

High demand in domestic and export Lack of labor availability, Development of automated
markets for fresh and processed fruits especially for harvesting equipment for pepper harvesting.
Seed diversity and potential for crop Prone to phytophthora virus Use controlled farming
diversity (greenhouses) and proper drainage
Relatively more resilient to pests and systems.
weeds compared to other high demand
crops
Relatively short harvest period

Weed control and pest management

Environmental adaptability and tolerance of varieties to the various pests and diseases
prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago is also another critical factor that must be considered in
choosing a variety or a landrace for planting. This determines the cost of production and
the agricultural risk associated with planting peppers. The landraces of Trinidad and
Tobago exhibit the highest levels of adaptability to local conditions. For this reason and
once a source of pure and healthy seeds is found, Faria, Moruga Red, Moruga Yellow and
Hood are recommended for the fresh fruit market.

Weed control

Proper weed management begins at the land clearing and land preparation stage during
which the ‘stale seed bed technique’ is applied. This entails two to four applications of
systemic herbicides (such as Round-up) on successive flushes of weed growth. After the
first cut the weeds are left to emerge and grow up to 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm). At the point
of vigorous growth, they are then sprayed with systemic herbicide when uptake of the
 active ingredient would be greatest and subsequent weed kill most thorough and efficient.
This should be done each time after the soil is turned over by plough or cultivator.

Alternatives to herbicides may present more control in the weed management process along
with eliminating any risks presented with using herbicides. Plastic mulch can be used to
suppress weeds and conserve water in crop production and landscaping. Geotextiles
although costlier can provide the same advantages and it is also more durable than plastic
mulch.

Pest management

Integrated pest and disease management strategies should always be employed to protect
the environment and provide maximum protection to the crop.

Greenhouse Farming
The team explored several farming methods and deduced that Greenhouse farming was best suited.
A thorough research was also carried out to establish the best Greenhouse structures to be used in
tropical climate. The disadvantages were also looked at in order for the team to derive with a
solution to ensure the project is a successful one. Site visits and interviews were done with farmers
locally to see where their pitfalls in Greenhouse farming was and modify and solve their issues to
direct us in the best design for the Wallerfield Project. A simulated 3D model of a modified
Greenhouse was done to present to the panel of TTMA’s Past Presidents. The team was able to
identify issues in agriculture and generate solutions, however; due to the intricate nature of the
Agricultural sector it was deduced that further research is required to ensure all facets are covered.
The need to design and execute a dynamic, successful method in Trinidad & Tobago’s Agricultural
sector is the team’s main goal. This need for further research arises out of the lack of Greenhouses
in Trinidad & Tobago that are successful and contains practices that are both time and cost
effective.

Challenges and Advantages of Greenhouse farming

Advantages
Greenhouse Farming is a technology that can be utilized in the agricultural sector to
maximize and improve marketable yields in both quality and quantity of crops, helping in
pest control, use of different farming methods, efficient utilization of rainfall by reusing
runoff, installation of solar energy to eliminate electricity expenses.

An issue faced by the traditional farming practices prior has been that prices fluctuate
depending on the season or period of the year. With the installation and running of
Greenhouse technology prices can remain at a steady rate and steady supply can satisfy
demands year round.

Flooding and irrigation issues during the rainy season cause great losses for farmers. The
durable covering and in-door set up protects the crops from the direct impact of heavy
rainfall which may have been damaging to the crops without the covering.

There is distribution of light inside greenhouses. The polyethylene provides a protective

cover from the direct light of the sun’s UV rays. It can also manipulate the direction of the
rays to ensure even distribution of sunlight which is greatly beneficial to the crops being
planted.

Furthermore, the indoor and enclosed space of the greenhouse keeps pests and insects away
from damaging the crops. The closed structure of the greenhouse makes it difficult for pests
and insects to enter and attack the crops.

Greenhouses have the ability to control microclimate. By having an automated greenhouse,

temperatures, lighting, humidity etc. can be adjusted to the optimal condition and
environment for crops the healthily flourish and produce at a high quality.

A very important advantage of greenhouses are their ability to yield an increased

production of crops. Altering the conditions can greatly inflate the quantity produced. It
can also accelerate the time taken to harvest.

Production of off-season crops becomes possible due to the manipulation and control of
conditions inside the greenhouse. Therefore, there can be a steady supply of crops year
round.
 Challenges for greenhouse farming in Trinidad & Tobago

Factors why Greenhouses are not as common and successful in local farming operations:

1. They are expensive to set-up and initial capital is a challenge for local farmers

2. The lack of knowledge and experience challenges farmers

3. Farmers only set-up a covering and not side panels so pests and insects are still a
problem

4. Heat retention in the greenhouse

Possible Solutions:

1. Working around the costs: investing in Greenhouse technology ensures that one can
grow and harvest year round regardless of the season; thus there is a steady cash
flow. The increase of yield also ensures that there is a large quantity output, so there
is more income. Therefore, in the long run greenhouses prove to be a smart
investment as the returns will be greater. In 2013 Fareed Rahaman stated that the
Ministry of Food and Production can rebate 50% of what the farmer spent to
purchase and install a Greenhouse.

2. Further research in Greenhouse farming can allow the team to address and solve
current greenhouse issues and make modifications to the structure to ensure it
works to successfully specific to T&T’s tropical conditions. The team can also
design and publish guide books and develop courses to train and enlighten
traditional farmers and those interested on proper techniques and operation of
Greenhouse farming.

Modification of Greenhouse structure for optimizing crop yield and quality

Research revealed that the Saw-Tooth structure was the best model for tropical climate conditions
for its features that provides: ventilation, strength for withstanding winds and light transmission.
It is also easy to construct and maintain.
However, due to the high temperatures in T&T the team investigated ways to decrease the
temperatures in the greenhouse. Upon investigating, a project done in Barbados from 2012- 2016
by Lucas McCartney and Dr. Mark Lefsrud of McGill University was found. This project featured
the installation of a Natural Ventilation and Augmented Cooling (NVAC) system. The NVAC
system is fully automated and computerized. The electricity used to power this system comes from
solar panel, which is a major advantage to reduce electricity expense. It has misting system
constructed using black UV resistant and full spectrum blocking vinyl water line with stainless
steel misting accessories. The misting system uses water from the canopy and filters it in order to
reuse the water for the plants. The mist can drop temperatures by 3C to 5C, which can assist in the
issue of heat retention.

Further investigation also revealed another feature called retractable greenhouse roofs. This feature
allows for roofs to totally open which will be beneficial during the early morning and late afternoon
to maximize photosynthesis when the plants receives light and infrared radiation.
Thus, a model combining both features of the NVAC and Retractable Roofs seems to be a great
combination to combat the cons of Greenhouses with regards to heat retention and microclimate
control.

Advantages of Retractable Roofs and NVAC system:

 Reduction in expenses for ventilation & cooling equipment
 Reduction in electrical operations and maintenance costs
 Mitigation of problems created by voltage drops and black-outs
 Greater yield
 Better quality
 Longer shelf life
 Resistance to pests and diseases
 Stronger walls of the fruit

A natural ventilation commercial greenhouse ( 45ft x 100 ft) was constructed in Barbados in 2016
as a test to see how well it could withstand the hot climate.

With the introduction of retractable roofs, the farmer can close the vent/ pathways to increase
humidity levels, the air temperature will then become hotter. Thus, emphasizing that a farmer in
hotter climates using the conventional greenhouses cannot achieve both low temperatures and high
humidity at the same time. In the retractable greenhouse when vents are closed the misting/ fog
system can be used which will increase the amount of water being consumed for cooling and
humidification. The misting system needs to be activated for only 8-15 seconds every 3-10 minutes
when temperatures cross 35C and the humidity drops below 50%. This can greatly impact the
performance of the plant, unlike the traditional systems where pads and cooling fans were used in
the conventional Greenhouses and used up a lot of water and electricity. The misting system will
use far less water and electricity once powered by solar panels.
More options for optimizing greenhouse production—Vertical (stacked) farming
Vertical farming entails growing produce in layers which are stacked vertically. The growing
media that are used in this type of farming includes soil, organic media (e.g. pro-mix), and
inorganic media (e.g. vermiculate). Additionally, plants can be produced in hydroponic or
aeropinic systems—options that have been more commonly explored in recent times.
The primary aim of vertical farming is to maximize productivity per unit area. Farming vertically
in a 30 story building with a basal area of 5 acres has the potential to produce crop yield equivalent
to 2,400 acres in comparison to traditional horizontal farming (Bareja, 2016). Vertical farming,
therefore, effectively serves to meet food demands in places where land is scares and/or expensive.
The major drawback, however, is that there is currently a dearth of technical information to support
the optimization of these systems. Therefore, carrying out experiments on prototype farms, to
assess best management practices which are geared to optimizing the system, is imperative before
delving into large scale production using this system. The Taylor Agri-solution team recommend
that a small plot (0.5 acres) be set up for experimentation purposes to ascertain site specific
information of how this system can be optimized. In addition to the lack of technical information
on these systems, ascertaining enough growing medium (e.g. top soil) for large scale production
may an obstacle. Perhaps soil less media (e.g. vermiculite) can be explored as an alternative.

Ministry of Health- Food and Drugs Division- Product marketing requirements

The procedure to acquire a free sale certificate involves consulting with a food and drugs inspector
at the food and drugs division. A draft label submission (printed or handwritten) is required. A
payment receipt of TT$30.00for label examination. For fresh produce like hot peppers further
inspection is not necessary once the label incudes the net weight and packaging date. This is
usually a two week process.
Design

Justification for Hot pepper picker

Design structure

Financial Analysis
Table 1: Fixed investement costs(TT$) for one acre of pepper production
Fixed Assets Item Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost

Equipment Knapsacker sprayer - 5 gl (19 L) $ 275.00 1 $ 275.00

Mist blower (4 hp) $ 3,380.00 1 $ 3,380.00

Packaging Hard plastic crates $ 20.00 30 $ 600.00

Scale - 1000 lb (454 kg) $ 1,560.00 1 $ 1,560.00
Light scale - 25 lb (11 kg) $ 240.00 1 $ 240.00

Irrigation system 3.5 hp pump $ 2,587.00 1 $ 2,587.00

Irrigation pipes and fittings, tanks,
drip lines, filters etc $ 21,000.00
55 gallon (208 L) drum $ 348.00 1 $ 348.00

Vehicle Pick up truck 4 x 4 - 22,000 lb

(10,000 kg) $ 50,000.00 1 $ 50,000.00

Field equipment Shovel $ 70.00 3 $ 210.00

Garden fork (5 tines) $ 300.00 3 $ 900.00
Cutlass $ 60.00 3 $ 180.00
Hoe -10” (25.4 cm) $ 50.00 3 $ 150.00
Plastic bucket - 2.5 gallons (7.6 L) $ 70.00 3 $ 210.00

Housing Storage shed (15 ft x 15 ft x 15 ft) $ 5,000.00 1 $ 5,000.00

(4 m x 4 m x 4 m)
TOTAL (fixed investment costs) $ 86,640.00
*These costs should be distributed over 3 – 10 years
 Table 2: Cost (TT$) of production for 0.4 hectare (1 acre) of hot pepper
Item # Operation/Task Labour Material & Supplies

Kind Unit Unit Cost Qty Cost (Sub Total 1) Kind Unit Unit Cost $
1 Clear Land
2 Dig Drains
3 Deeply plough
4 Broadcast pen manure/Lime US hr $18.00 24 $432.00 Manure bag $12.00
5 Apply pre-plnt fertilizer US hr $18.00 25 $450.00 Fertiliser 40kg bag $150.00
6 harrow
7 Ridge and furrow
8 Apply pre-emergent herbicide S hr $25.00 16 $400.00 herbicide gallon $460.00
9 Assemble drip irrigation system S hr $25.00 32 $800.00
10 Spread plastic mulch/Geotextile fabric S hr $25.00 16 $400.00 weed control sq ft. $2450.00- $4900.00
11 Transplant SS hr $19.00 34 $646.00 seedlings $0.23
12 Fertilise (15-15-15) SS hr $18.75 24 $450.00 fertiliser 40kg bag $150.00
13 Fertilise (12-11-18) x 10 SS hr $18.75 240 $4,500.00 fertiliser 40kg bag $150.00
14 Fertigation x 10 S hr $25.00 20 $500.00 chemicals bags $300.00
15 Spray growth enhancers S hr $25.00 8 $200.00 chemicals 125ml

Abbreviations
US - unskilled
SS - semi-skilled
s - skilled
no - number
qty - quantity

Total operation cost = Labour Cost +supplies

Total Investment cost=Equipment+ total operational cost

Table 3 : Cost (TT$) of production for 0.4 hectare (1 acre) of hot pepper
Material & Supplies Total Operational Cost Equipment
Total
Investment
Qty (Sub-total2) Kind Unit Unit Cost ($) QTY Cost (sub total 3) Cost
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 8 $800.00 $800.00
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 4 $400.00 $400.00
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 4 $400.00 $400.00
500 $6,000.00 $6,432.00 Tractor hr $100.00 2 $200.00 $6,632.00
4 $600.00 $1,050.00 $1,050.00
Tractor day $350.00 1 $350.00 $350.00
Tractor day $350.00 2 $700.00 $700.00
$860.00 Spraycan no. $500.00 1 $500.00 $1,360.00
$800.00 irrigation sys 1 acre $21,000.00 1/3 $7,000.00 $7,800.00
$400.00 Tractor & Blade roll $4,500.00 7 $31,500.00 $31,900.00
$1,906.00 $2,552.00 Tractor $2,552.00
$300.00 $750.00 no. $25.00 6 $150.00 $900.00
$750.00 $5,250.00 Tractor $5,250.00
$3,000.00 $3,000.00 Tractor no. $348.00 1 $348.00 $3,848.00
781 $981.00 $981.00 $981.00

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Item #5:Fertiliser broadcast after ploughing prior to harrowing
Item #9: Spread cost over 3 years ($12,000/3) for drip irrigation system
Item # 11:High plant population density-spacing 30"x25"
Item #12:Fertiliser applied 2 weeks after transplanting,banded around plants
Item #13:50% of fertilizer applied at flowering and repeated at fort-nightly intervals for the duration of the croppping season
Item #15:Cytokin 125ml x 5 bottles x $23.00=$115.00
Floedimex 1 litre X 3 bottles X $222.00=$666.00
 Table 3 : Cost (TT$) of production for 0.4 hectare (1 acre) of hot pepper
Material & Supplies Total Operational Cost Equipment
Total
Investment
Qty (Sub-total2) Kind Unit Unit Cost ($) QTY Cost (sub total 3) Cost
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 8 $800.00 $800.00
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 4 $400.00 $400.00
Tractor & Blade hr $100.00 4 $400.00 $400.00
500 $6,000.00 $6,432.00 Tractor hr $100.00 2 $200.00 $6,632.00
4 $600.00 $1,050.00 $1,050.00
Tractor day $350.00 1 $350.00 $350.00
Tractor day $350.00 2 $700.00 $700.00
$860.00 Spraycan no. $500.00 1 $500.00 $1,360.00
$800.00 irrigation sys 1 acre $21,000.00 1/3 $7,000.00 $7,800.00
$400.00 Tractor & Blade roll $4,500.00 7 $31,500.00 $31,900.00
$1,906.00 $2,552.00 Tractor $2,552.00
$300.00 $750.00 no. $25.00 6 $150.00 $900.00
$750.00 $5,250.00 Tractor $5,250.00
$3,000.00 $3,000.00 Tractor no. $348.00 1 $348.00 $3,848.00
781 $981.00 $981.00 $981.00

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Item #5:Fertiliser broadcast after ploughing prior to harrowing
Item #9: Spread cost over 3 years ($12,000/3) for drip irrigation system
Item # 11:High plant population density-spacing 30"x25"
Item #12:Fertiliser applied 2 weeks after transplanting,banded around plants
Item #13:50% of fertilizer applied at flowering and repeated at fort-nightly intervals for the duration of the croppping season
Item #15:Cytokin 125ml x 5 bottles x $23.00=$115.00
Floedimex 1 litre X 3 bottles X $222.00=$666.00

Table 4: Cost (TT$) of production for 0.4 hectare (1 acre) of hot pepper
Item # Operation/Task Labour Material & Supplies
Kind Unit Unit Cost QTY Cost (Sub totalKind
1) Unit Unit Cost ($)
Apply insecticides
16 (x10) S hr $ 25.00 80 $ 2,000.00 Inscticides 500 ml $185.00
Spray acaricides
17 (x4) S hr $ 25.00 32 $ 800.00 Acaricide 125 ml $97.00
Spray fungicides
18 (x2) S hr $ 25.00 16 $ 400.00 Fungicide 200 g $230.00
Manage irrigation
19 & drainage S hr $ 25.00 200 $ 5,000.00 Water m3 $0.10
20 Scout daily S hr $ 25.00 60 $ 1,500.00
21 Harvest( x15) SS hr $ 18.75 240 $ 4,500.00

22 Loading/unloading US hr $ 18.00 120 $ 2,160.00

23 Grading/packing SS hr $ 18.75 80 $ 1,500.00 Crates no $40.00

Subtotal $ 26,638.00 Subtotal

Notes & Assumptions

Item # 16: First application should be a systemic insecticide applied as a drench at transplanting for subsequent applications use a contact insecticde as the need arises

Item # 19: Assuming an 8-12 month crtopping cycle 50% would be in the wet and 50% in the dry season .
loss of 15% due to evatranspiration

Item # 23: Produce sold at farmgate

Item #
15,16,17,18: The same spray can be used for these activites.
 Table 5: Cost (TT$) of total operations for production for 0.4 hectare (1 acre) of hot pepper
Total
Investment
Materials & Supplies Total Operation Cost Equipment Cost
Qty Cost (Sub Total 2) Kind Unit Unit Cost ($) Qty Cost (Sub Total 3)
4 bottles $ 740.00 $ 2,740.00 Spray Can no. $ 500.00 1 $ 500.00 $3,240.00
3 bottles $ 291.00 $ 1,091.00 $1,091.00
3 $ 690.00 $ 1,090.00 $1,090.00
3280 $ 328.00 $ 5,328.00 $12,328.00
$ 1,500.00 $1,500.00
$ 4,500.00 $4,500.00
$ 2,160.00 $2,160.00
100 $ 4,000.00 $ 5,500.00 $5,500.00

$ 19,846.00 $ 46,484.00 $ 42,848.00

NET PROFIT
Average yield per acre: 70,000lbs
Expected 10% harvest loss :10/100x70,000=7,000
Marketable yield:70,000-7,000=63,000
Average wholesale price per lb:$3.75
Gross income per crop:$236,250.00
Total production cost:$89,332.00
Cost of production for 1 lb:$1.27
Net profit per crop:$236,250.00-$89,332.00=$146,918.00

Areas for further research

Broccoli as a potential crop for domestic markets in Trinidad

Broccoli requires temperatures between 4 and 21 ◦C (average 12.5 ◦C) and is therefore
typically produced in temperate countries and do not grow well in the tropics; or if it does
grow, unmarketable heads are produced. Brocoli is imported in Trinidad and Tobago, by
many wholesale vegetable importers. Taylor Agri-solution interviewed importers from
Chanka’s Veggie and Fruit Imports LTD, and it was revealed that Broccoli fetches an
average price of $48.5 TT in supermarkets across Trinidad and Tobago. Field research
done, on farms and in supermarkets in Trinidad, by the Taylor Argi-solution team
discovered that there is a great demand for this crop in the country. Further analyses by
the team also revealed that Broccoli can be produced locally at about $25 TT per kg in
temperate modified green houses at a 30-acre scale. The team is proposing further research
into the viability of this venture.
Appendix I

Appendix II

Table of Contents
Overview of Project Scope ......................................................................................................................... 1
Issues faced in the agriculture sector ........................................................................................................ 3
Agriculture as a lucrative sector ................................................................................................................ 4
Description of site at the Smithfield Pig Farm ......................................................................................... 4
Justification for recommended crop (Hot peppers) ................................................................................. 6
General soil and fertilizer management for hot peppers ......................................................................... 7
Market preference ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Productivity ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Summary of potential challenges and possible solutions for hot pepper production ........................... 9
Weed control and pest management ......................................................................................................... 9
Greenhouse Farming ................................................................................................................................ 10
Challenges and Advantages of Greenhouse farming ............................................................................. 10
Modification of Greenhouse structure for optimizing crop yield and quality..................................... 12
Ministry of Health- Food and Drugs Division- Product marketing requirements ............................. 15
Design ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Justification for Hot pepper picker ......................................................................................................... 16
Design structure ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Financial Analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Areas for further research ....................................................................................................................... 19
Broccoli as a potential crop for domestic markets in Trinidad ............................................................ 19
Appendix I ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Appendix II ................................................................................................................................................ 20