A groundbreaking agricultural innovation has been introduced at Agrofest, presenting a transformative approach to household food production. The D-Frame Layer Cage System, developed by the Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, represents a significant advancement in urban farming technology.
This vertical, tiered cage system enables families to produce fresh eggs efficiently within confined backyard spaces, addressing both food security concerns and escalating grocery expenses. The launch coincides with recent instability in local egg markets, offering consumers an alternative path to nutritional independence.
Dr. Michele Singh, Director of CAGRI, characterized the system as a crucial milestone in building community resilience and self-sufficiency. The technology’s compact design optimizes production capacity in limited areas while significantly reducing egg production costs for household consumers.
The system incorporates sustainable practices by facilitating the repurposing of kitchen waste into supplemental poultry feed, simultaneously addressing food waste reduction and production economics. Beyond domestic applications, the initiative promises substantial economic benefits through local manufacturing and distribution opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs.
This innovation aligns with broader regional objectives under the “25 by 2030” initiative, which aims to dramatically reduce dependence on imported food products. CAGRI has been conducting live demonstrations at Agrofest, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how this technology supports sustainable agriculture and home-based food production systems.