Pineapple farming a booming business at Mainstay/Whayaka

Pineapple farming in Region Two has been one of the main sources of income for the residents of the Amerindian Community Mainstay/Whayaka village, located approximately 10 miles from the Essequibo Coast Public Road.  Over the years, the planting, growth, cultivation and marketing of the tasty fruit has paved the way for community development, advanced educational possibilities, tourism enhancement and a better life for residents, all through its prosperous returns.
Resident of Mainstay Thelma Williams gave a whole new dimension through which pineapple farming and its benefits can be assessed. Williams said the pineapple reaping season has commenced, and undauntedly, she related that in spite of the inclement weather, this process will continue until the latter part of July this year.
She had on display a number of palatable looking pineapples, ranging from one hundred to three hundred dollars. Adding to this; the pineapple vendor said that it is customary for the smaller pineapples to be sold on a local scale; whilst the larger ones are for international export.
Williams, 49, said she developed a passion for farming 30 years ago, and through cultivation, she managed to ensure her children received a decent education. She said she is presently reaping sweet pineapples from her five acres plot in Mainstay.
Commenting on the marketing aspect, Williams said she earns a fast dollar, and at least Gy$500 from each plant. The farmer said marketing of her produce is not an issue as the Mainstay Pineapple Factory has always guaranteed farmers a market for their produce.

Another farmer, Zina Allen said that pineapple farming has “broke her out” of poverty and has afforded her many amenities in her home. She said pineapple farming sustains her livelihood and provides her with an income. Allen sells her produce on Wednesday’s and Friday’s.
Meanwhile, those farmers who are not reaching the local markets are selling their pineapples to the factory directly. Toshoa of the village Joel Fredericks said harvesting is in full swing and the pineapple factory has resumed operations in an effort to process pineapple chunks for the European market.
Fredericks, who is the new toshoa of the village, said some eight acres with thousands of pineapples will be harvested, while another 70 acres are in various stages of growth.
According to toshoa, some 20 persons, mostly women are employed at the pineapple factory in the village. He said persons from the village enjoy the seasonal employment from the factory, and it helps them to provide an income for their families.
Fredericks said the village is also preparing for the upcoming “Pineapple Festival” in the coming months. He said at the festival, persons can expect to see various items and products made from pineapple. He said farmers have also planted pineapples, especially for the festival.