The Tribune

The Bahamas, a beautiful archipelago known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, is facing a pressing issue: Ensuring a sustainable food supply for its population. As an island nation heavily dependent on imports for food, The Bahamas faces numerous challenges related to food security and sustainability.

One potential solution lies in the integration of agricultural technology, or agri-tech, which can revolutionise the way food is produced and distributed in the country. Agri-tech offers a plethora of benefits, including enhanced productivity, resource optimisation and environmental sustainability, making it a crucial tool in ensuring a sustainable food production system for The Bahamas.

Agri-tech tools and techniques can significantly boost agricultural productivity in The Bahamas. By using precision agriculture technologies such as drones, sensors and GPS-guided machinery, farmers can optimise planting patterns, irrigation and fertilization. This optimisation leads to increased crop yields and more efficient land use, addressing the challenges of limited arable land in the country.

In a nation where resources such as water and energy are not as limited, but expensive to procure, agri-tech can play a pivotal role in resource efficiency. Smart irrigation systems, for example, can reduce water wastage by delivering the precise amount of water needed for crops, based on real-time data and weather forecasts. Similarly, renewable energy solutions can power farms, reducing dependency on costly fossil fuels and minimising the carbon footprint associated with agriculture.

The Bahamas is particularly vulnerable to climate change and its adverse effects on agriculture, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Agri-tech can help mitigate these challenges by providing climate-smart farming solutions. Controlled environment agriculture, for instance, allows farmers to grow crops in a controlled indoor environment, protecting them from extreme weather conditions and ensuring a consistent food supply.

Agri-tech can empower farmers to diversify their crops and venture into new markets. Vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics are excellent examples of technologies that allow for the year-round production of a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, even in limited spaces. This diversification can reduce dependency on food imports and bolster the country’s food security.

The integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence in agriculture can revolutionise decision-making processes for farmers in The Bahamas. By analysing vast amounts of data related to weather, soil conditions, crop health and market demand, farmers can make informed decisions to optimise production, reduce waste and meet consumer needs effectively.

Leveraging agri-tech is not just a matter of modernising the agricultural sector in The Bahamas; it is a necessity for ensuring the sustainability of food production. With its potential to enhance productivity, optimise resource use, adapt to climate challenges, diversify production and enable data-driven decisions, agri-tech offers a promising pathway toward a more secure and sustainable food future for The Bahamas. It is imperative for the Government, stakeholders and farmers to embrace and invest in agri-tech to transform the agricultural landscape and safeguard the nation’s food security.

• About Keith Roye II

Keith Roye II is the chief operations officer of Plato Alpha Design, a bespoke software development company that specialises in business efficiency and profitability. Throughout his career in software development, Mr Roye has served as chief software engineer for companies in The Bahamas and the US. His work has led or assisted companies in generating millions of dollars in passive revenue, while saving millions through custom software design.