Sapphire Agriculture Jamaica Limited, a fertilizer supply company, has introduced its range of NPK blends that contain 100% certified organic matter as carrier and, its 100% Certified Organic fertilizer, Fertiplus to the Jamaican market, with exclusive distribution to be done by H&L Agro.
Speaking at the launch event, at Hardware & Lumber headquarters, 697 Spanish Town Road, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Hardware & Lumber, Olive Downer-Walsh shared the inspiration behind the partnership. “We aim to better the lives of our Jamaican people, allowing them to reap healthier and more wholesome produce, as we continue to enhance Jamaica’s agricultural productivity and bolster the government’s efforts at maximum food security,” she said.
“This partnership came about naturally as H&L Agro has the footprint and direction Sapphire Agriculture Jamaica limited needs to get this product out to Jamaican farmers so they can enjoy better crops and a more nourishing soil,” said Daniel McHugh, Managing Director, Sapphire Agriculture Jamaica. “We’re excited to have H&L Agro onboard as together, we strive to take Jamaica’s agricultural sector to new heights.”
At the launch, Hon. William J.C. Hutchinson, Minister without portfolio, in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, lauded H&L Agro, a division of Hardware & Lumber Ltd. and Sapphire Agriculture Jamaica Limited on the launch, and the donation of two tonnes NPK blends of Sapphire fertilizers, to the National Irish Potato Production Programme.
The Minister then went on to commend the Sapphire team on their innovative move in making available to the Jamaican farmers a 100% certified organic fertilizer that will serve to enhance both plant and soil health.
Commenting that Jamaica’s current food import bill is upwards of US$800 million, Minister Hutchinson elaborated on the importance of partnerships of this nature in reducing this figure and stimulating the growth of the local agricultural sector. “I welcome the partnership between H&L Agro and Sapphire Agriculture Jamaica Limited. Through this partnership our farmers will have access to a wide array of products. I believe that partnerships, whether they are between the various government agencies, or private and public sectors, are critical to the overall development of our country,” shared Minister Hutchinson.
The Minister noted that due to the introduction of the National Irish Potato Production Programme, the agriculture ministry has recorded an over 90% self-sufficiency rate, a sharp increase when compared to the 39% rate in 2008. This figure is set to further increase following the donation of two tonnes of Sapphire Fertilizer, made to the Minister by H&L Agro and Sapphire Agriculture.
Galdford Brown, a coffee farmer of 30 years who has been using Sapphire Fertilizer for the past year in his crop grown at the Blue Mountains, shared his testimonial of the benefits derived from using the fertilizer. “When I just started using the Sapphire Fertilizer, I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I must say, I have seen the difference in the robustness of my plants, I have had a wonderful harvest, I have seen an excellent improvement in my beans,” he said.
Composed of 100% certified organic matter as the filler, Sapphire Fertilizer is made from a blend of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium pellets and granules which increase the nutritional value and quality of crops and also improves the soil overtime. Sapphire Fertilizer becomes the first local fertilizer to receive international safety certification for its Fertiplus which is a Certified Organic tested in regions such as Asia, Europe and the US.
H&L Agro is the exclusive distributor of Sapphire Fertilizer, and through its H&L Agro stores, select Rapid True Value Stores and over 200 H&L Agro dealers islandwide, the products will allow farmers convenient access.
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