St Catherine school opens smart greenhouse lab to advance agriculture

Established under the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expansion plan, the facility will function as a satellite greenhouse for schools in Spanish Town and surrounding areas. It aims to provide primary and secondary students with access to advanced agricultural technology to enrich teaching and learning.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Technical Support Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Nahema Daniels-Heath, stated that the opening “marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter” in agricultural training.

The smart greenhouse demonstrates the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in agriculture. It offers students hands-on, technology-driven experiences to prepare them for careers in agriculture, renewable energy, and engineering.

Key features include automated precision-farming systems with real-time sensor monitoring; Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled data processing and remote management; and a 12-kilowatt solar energy system to support sustainable operations.

Dr. Daniels-Heath described the facility as a “living classroom powered by innovation” and a model for modern agricultural science education.

She emphasized that through precision agriculture, automation, and IoT technologies, students will gain access to “real-time data and hands-on experiences that mirror modern farming practices.”

“Renewable energy systems will support learning in STEM, while agriculture, engineering, plant science, and technology come together in a seamless learning environment,” she added.

Dr. Daniels-Heath further noted that the greenhouse lab will equip students to help strengthen Jamaica’s agricultural resilience and food security.

“The Eat Jamaican movement encourages us to support our farmers, value our local produce, and understand the importance of growing what we eat. This greenhouse helps students to appreciate their role in that national mission,” she said.

The smart lab is a key component of the Ministry’s strategic vision to modernize TVET education in Jamaica by establishing cutting-edge exemplary labs.

Dr. Daniels-Heath explained that José Martí Technical High was chosen as the flagship project due to its strong agricultural science foundation and long-standing partnership with the Ministry.

She highlighted that the institution, which has produced generations of innovators and nation-builders, continues to shape young people who are academically grounded, technically trained, and ready to contribute to national development.

(Source: Jamaica Information Service - JIS)