Agri rebuild

Nearly three months after Hurricane Beryl devastated huge sections of Jamaica’s agricultural lands, forcing vegetable prices through the roof, some shoppers are reporting a trending down in prices.

This comes as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining continues its support of farmers across affected areas in their efforts to rehabilitate the sector, with losses throughout the industry amounting to $6.5 billion.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, in a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, said more than 630 hectares, or 1,557 acres, of farmland have been replanted with seeds to replenish agricultural stock destroyed by the hurricane in July.

The crops replanted include cabbage, tomato, lettuce, carrot, sweet pepper, cucumber, and water melon.

“So far, nearly $900 million has been expended through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the National Fisheries Authority and other agencies. This funding has been strategically directed towards the provision of critical recovery items, including the provision of seeds and fertiliser, restoration of livestock, rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure, and technical assistance and training for our farmers,” Green said.

He said the government’s post-Hurricane Beryl efforts have been supported by the private sector which has contributed $81 million to the cause.

“Thus far, we have been able to reach 14,370 farmers from the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, Westmoreland, Trelawny, and St Ann; those have directly benefited from our recovery efforts,” he added.

The minister said that, in total, recovery efforts have already impacted more than 15,000 farmers, with over 10,000 packs of seeds and 6,500 bags of fertiliser supplied.

Also, with the livestock sector losing approximately 300,000 birds as a result of the hurricane, the ministry has been focusing on helping livestock farmers replenish their stock by distributing 57,000 birds. In addition to the birds, the ministry has been providing veterinary services to the farmers and helping to rebuild farmhouses affected by the hurricane.

Green said $26 million has been earmarked to help, especially, small poultry farmers build back their chicken houses. Additionally, $70 million has been earmarked to repair 51 minor farm roads, beginning next month.

He pointed out that another aspect of governmental support to the sector is the provision of training in sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

In terms of fisheries, an initial allocation of $29 million was provided to an area where 11,000 fisherfolk were affected by the hurricane.

“We have already helped 580 fisherfolk, largely with cash vouchers, to purchase fishing gear and building repairs,” Green said. Fisherfolk in Scott’s Cove, White House, Portland Cottage, and Rocky Point are among those who have benefited.

editorial@gleanerjm.com