By Yves Sidney
Agriculture is one of the fundamental activities in a society to grow crops and raise animals. It forms the basis for food security. Being able to grow the right crops and keep the right livestock ensures that human beings are able to eat healthy diets and form strong immune systems to fight against diseases and infections.
In an area like the commune of Port-a-Piment, Agriculture, as its main activity creates job opportunities, can help build a strong and sustainable economy. Agriculture also will help avoid disasters like famines and reduce import dependency.
Konbit Pou Potapiman, understanding the importance of Agriculture, has initiated different projects in that sphere. Our latest project is in the cultivation of Coffee.
The place selected for this project is Dupin, a small village of the commune located at approximately 2 hours walking distance from the town of Port-a-Piment. With its elevation, its cool temperature, its forestation, and on the advice of the agronomist, Dupin appears to be the ideal area to implement the project.
The participants were selected on the basis of their knowledge, the space available to plant the coffee and a good understanding that it’s a long-term project. Many meetings were held to ensure a successful outcome.
The distribution of the plants started on Sunday October 30th. 2022, during the wet season to ensure the soil stays moist while the roots are developing. The plants were donated to KPP by Agronomist Junior Albert. 4000 Blue Mountain Coffee plants were indeed distributed to 14 planters of Dupin.
Cultivation of coffee is a long-term project. From seedling to a mature tree and depending on the variety, it takes 3 to five years to bear fruits. Throughout this entire period, the plants demand meticulous care and attention at all times to ensure they grow strong, healthy and disease free. KPP will accompany the planters with technical assistance to care for the trees and for the preparation of new seedlings. Once the trees start bearing fruit, they can continue to produce coffee for at least 30 years.
“Many hands make light work.” Our donors, our friends, and members of our organization in the US and on the ground in Haiti are the hands making a difference in Port-a-Piment. Special thanks to Agronomist Junior Albert for donating the coffee plants and also his expertise. Kudos to Jean Robert Isidor for his leadership in organizing the transport of the seedlings, their distribution, the selection of the planters and the area suitable to grow coffee.
Although our starting cost was minimal, the funds available to realize the project came from previous donations. As the project takes shape, our costs will increase because of the technical support KPP will be providing to ensure success. A donation to help us will be greatly appreciated.
In the words of Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” This project is another ripple.
