Why we must appreciate farmers

IT’S FARMERS’ Month, and in this Jamaica land of wood and water, farmers are crucial to so many aspects of our daily lives, more than you know. They keep the agricultural industry going but are also valuable to other aspects of our society.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why we must celebrate and appreciate farmers, year round.

1. FARMERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Farmers hold the backbone of the agricultural system. As it is common knowledge that for a country to progress the gross domestic product should be reasonable, agriculture is one of the important parts. The agricultural system will only run if there are crops being grown and harvested, and this is where farmers come in. They help the agricultural sector grow, which not only feeds Jamaicans at home but also gives the advantage to the economy by exporting the given goods to foreign countries.

For exporting, the material must be of good quality, which would be possible when the farmers have been very careful and considerate about the factor influencing the crops. Farmer ensure that these crops are well nurtured so that they can bring high profit for the State. By exporting the goods to other countries, the economy of the State grows, which can be further spent towards the development of the country.

2. FARMERS ARE IMPORTANT IN OUR DAILY LIVES

We might need other professions in our life at different points in our life. For example, if we are sick we will need to see a doctor, and when we need to learn a skill, we need a mentor. These professions are important for us and life would be very difficult without them, but life without farmers wouldn’t be sustainable. We all need farmers every day. For the growth of a sound mind and sound body, we need proper food.

This food is provided by the natural fruits and vegetables grown in crops at different times of year, depending on the seasons. This proves that the importance of farmers is more than we think, although sometimes we take their effort and work for granted. We never think twice about the foods we have for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

They are responsible for the availability of healthy food at our dining table three times a day. Some plants like cotton are used to make fabrics, which are then sewn into clothes, so this indicates that even the clothes we wear have some effort from the farmers in the countryside.

3. FARMERS ARE EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUALS

By spending enough time in countryside, a farmer gains the experience to know what to do in different scenarios. They know what to do when the weather grows unpredictable, how to avoid waterlogging and salinity, and if they occur, how to remedy the situation, and many such things.

Field work makes them more informed and responsive to the issues that need addressing. The more time one spends in a profession, the more one learns. The farmers must plant crops every year, put in fertilisers, and reap the crops when they are ready. The repetitive cycle teaches them which seeds would be better, which fertilisers would give more yield.

In moments of crisis, they know how to minimise the damage to the crops. If there is a fire, they know they have to cut out a certain amount of crops, even if they are not ripe, so they can disconnect the fire from the bigger part of the field to prevent the destruction of the entire field. Similarly, the experience of farmers helps to deal with similar situations.

4. FARMERS ARE DURABLE ASSETS

One of the main reasons we need farmers is that they are capable of withstanding harsh weathers. A person from a corporate background sits in an office and works in an airconditioned environment, while a farmer must grind in sun and when it’s colder, and this helps them to work in different conditions, making them comparatively resilient to harsh changing weather.

People employed in an airconditioned office might find it harder to walk out in the sun in summer, or cold breeze in winter, while farmers are acclimatised to the situation. They know their task is at hand and any negligence will affect the annual yield, which can devastate the economy of the State.

If they are unable to perform their duty or show ignorance in their labour, it might result in famine or inflation. This feeling of responsibility helps them work under harsher conditions, too. After a while they become used to these conditions, hence can do required labour under almost any circumstances. One should acknowledge the importance of farmers as they bear these hardships for their nation.

5. FARMERS ARE DISCIPLINED WORKERS

It will not be wrong to say the farmers go beyond the call of duty to deliver their work, as the weather conditions may change, or the crops might need to be sprayed for insects and pests. They put in their souls to their task, as they know that ignorance can cost them the crops, which will not only cause the depreciation of economy but, more important, there will be no food for the people.

Farming is not only about planting and harvesting the crops. They must be properly taken care of the entire year, and spraying them timely with pesticides. They are cautious if any natural calamity strikes or in case a fire breaks out. They must be on guard for the crops, as neglect of their duty might result in loss of yearlong hard work, in addition to a fatal blow to the economy, or a possible famine.

6. FARMERS ARE SELFLESS CITIZENS

While a person in a corporate environment might need incentives and constant reminders to work efficiently, a farmer, on the other hand, doesn’t need huge monetary rewards for his labour. They only need the required resources to grow crops like fertilisers, seeds and material required to cut the crops in the harvesting season.

Apart from these utilities, farmers do not require much motivation to work, as they have enough sense of responsibility. They know that in order to feed their own family and the entire country, they must give their all to the task at hand. This is enough motivation for them to give their best effort and to be cautious about their duties.

7. FARMERS ARE A SYMBOL OF DEDICATION

Society can look up to farmers as a source of inspiration. Farmers’ Day is a public holiday in some countries on different days, October 12 in the United States of America and December 23 in India. In Jamaica, the month of April is celebrated as Farmers’ Month.

We use the opportunities to encourage and appreciate the efforts of farmers. Farming communities help the growth of the agricultural sector and keep our hunger satisfied. We recognise their efforts and dedication every year. We acknowledge their importance in our lives.