Agriculture Month Feature (October)
Agriculture Month is a time to honor the dedication of farmers who provide the food we rely on every day. In this special feature, we meet Ivan Sancho, a passionate farmer from West Watooka, whose journey in agriculture began at the age of five.
Now 61, Ivan continues to cultivate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, bora, okra, and root vegetables.
Ivan’s love for farming is rooted in his desire to eat fresh, homegrown produce, and his Rastafarian lifestyle plays a significant role in his farming practices.
Since the age of 18, he has adhered to an Ital (natural and plant-based) diet, which motivates him to grow his own food in abundance.
In addition to cultivating his crops, Ivan sells his produce door-to-door to support himself. His farming journey has not been without its challenges, however.
He faces the threat of the Akari rodent and is often affected by flooding due to heavy rains.
Despite these hurdles, Ivan remains optimistic and hopes that authorities will provide support to mitigate these issues.
Ivan believes in the importance of passing on farming knowledge to the younger generation, encouraging others to get involved in agriculture for the sake of self-sustenance and food security.