NASSAU, BAHAMAS- In an effort to tackle the country’s billion-dollar food import bill and modernize its agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has signed a public-private partnership agreement to construct five hydroponic farms across The Bahamas.
The $35 million project, set to unfold over six years, brings together the Ministry, Bahamian firm Sustainable Technology Limited (STL), and Indian-based vertical farming leader UrbanKisaan. The farms will be located on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, and Cat Island.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Jomo Campbell called the deal “a bold step forward in our collective vision for a more self-reliant and sustainable Bahamas.”
“This collaboration will bring long-term benefits by reducing our reliance on food imports, creating new job opportunities, and equipping our farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing climate,” Campbell said during the signing ceremony. “It’s an investment in our people, our economy and our future.”
The memorandum of understanding sets out a four-phase plan. It begins with feasibility studies, permitting and financing, followed by construction and installation, then a transitional phase focused on knowledge transfer. The final phase will see full ownership of the farms transferred to the Ministry, with Bahamians expected to take over operational responsibilities.
“By the end of the final phase, we anticipate a workforce predominately composed of fully trained Bahamian talent,” said Campbell. “This is not just about growing food. It’s about growing people.”
The Bahamas currently imports over 90 percent of the food it consumes, leaving the country vulnerable to external shocks and supply chain disruptions. Campbell described the partnership as urgent, citing recent global events—including the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, and geopolitical conflicts—as reminders of the need for greater domestic food production.
“We are launching a bold and innovative partnership, one that reimagines how we grow, distribute, and consume food across our islands,” he said.
UrbanKisaan’s high-tech vertical hydroponic systems are designed to grow crops such as lettuce, herbs, tomatoes and okra year-round using minimal land and water. The company integrates AI and real-time monitoring to optimize yields, reduce waste and manage environmental risks—technologies seen as critical for small island nations.
“UrbanKisaan’s precision agriculture platforms will ensure scalable, data-driven yield optimization across all islands,” said founder and CEO Vihari Kanukollu. “Leveraging AI analytics and real-time monitoring, we can anticipate crop yields, mitigate risks and deliver consistent quality produce year-round.”
Sustainable Technology Limited, the project’s local partner, has already established a prototype hydroponic farm in Nassau to demonstrate the feasibility of the model. The company sees the new agreement as a natural extension of its mission to deliver climate-smart, tech-driven agricultural solutions.
“Sustainable Technology Ltd’s partnership with UrbanKisaan and the Bahamian government is proof of each party’s interest in a shared vision: increased food security for the nation and region at large,” said Tianna Roberts, STL’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are committed to producing a long-term, scalable solution to decrease the country’s reliance on imported produce.”
According to Campbell UrbanKisaan and STL, will contribute $24.5 million to the project, while the government’s initial investment is $1.2 million. Officials confirmed that revenue generated by the farms will be reinvested to expand operations and fund agricultural training and development.
The program will also serve as a national skills-building platform, with a strong emphasis on training young Bahamians to become agricultural entrepreneurs, technicians and engineers. “It will enable knowledge transfer, skill-building, and training programs that empower Bahamians to become leaders in the future of farming,” Campbell said.
The environmental benefits of the partnership are also significant. The hydroponic systems reduce the need for pesticides, conserve water, and lower the carbon emissions typically associated with transporting imported food across long distances.
Campbell said the program aligns closely with the country’s climate adaptation strategy and international sustainability goals. “We are also protecting our environment,” he said. “The methods of UrbanKisaan and Sustainable Technology Limited minimize the use of pesticides, conserve water, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.”
He emphasized that food security must now be treated as a national priority. “With every tomato, lettuce head, or herb grown right here at home, we move closer to a future where no child goes hungry, no community is left behind, and no disaster derails our ability to feed ourselves,” Campbell said.
He described the MOU as more than a contract—it’s a commitment to long-term transformation. “This MoU is the start of something bigger—a movement to transform agriculture in The Bahamas and inspire similar models throughout the Caribbean region,” he said.
“Today, we choose to invest in a vision where The Bahamas is not just a consumer of global produce, but a producer of its own healthy, fresh and sustainable food. A nation where agriculture is not a declining sector, but a thriving high-tech industry.”
