$6M to assist farmers affected by drought

The Government has set aside an initial $6 million to assist farmers in four parishes who are being affected by drought conditions.

In making the disclosure Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries J.C. Hutchinson said immediate attention will be given to farmers in St. Elizabeth, Portland, Clarendon and St. Catherine.

“We are looking at providing them with drums and drip (irrigation) hoses, so that they will be able to garner their water and be able to get their cash crops going as quickly as possible,” Hutchinson said while speaking at the National Irish Potato Conference in Guy’s Hill, St. Catherine yesterday.

Hutchinson told the farmers that the government is arranging a water-harvesting project, with ponds and appropriate delivery of water to areas where farming takes place, to ensure that crops are not destroyed by the consistent drought.

He noted that the sector grew by 14 per cent for the June quarter, due in part to a programme where idle lands are put into productive use and pointed out that in recent months, some 2,000 acres of land have been put in the hands of farmers.

“This is part of what has been happening with the growth in agriculture,” he told the audience.

The conference was held to update irish potato and onion farmers on the plans by the Ministry ahead of the planting season. 

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-449-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.