Get serious with agricultural policy
Published:Tuesday | March 8, 2011 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am wondering if I need to congratulate the Ministry of Agriculture on the latest Eat Jamaican campaign, or first just to try to understand why we need a media blitz to convince Jamaicans to eat what we grow and grow what we eat.
For far too long the Jamaican farmer has become just a headline for politicians (Jamaica Gleaner, March 2, 2011; Tufton, Clarke Unite in 'Eat Jamaican' campaign) and bankers. These grand announcements in the name of the farmer most times account to nought. Let the Ministry of Agriculture show us real data on how many farmers are, in fact, benefiting from the various initiatives in the past five years. In the recent low-interest rate loans advertised to attract farmers (investors) by two of the leading commercial banks, it took me a few weeks to find a branch of a commercial bank that understands how I can access the loan.
No help
After finally getting through to a 'personal banker' with a business plan, she looked at me and asked what is a greenhouse and why the tomatoes need a house? After explaining to her tomatoes' need for a 'house', she sent me to the RADA parish officer who told me he had absolutely no information on how a farmer could access the loan, and that I should get back in touch with the bank.
Amid my amazement (or disappointment), I was asked, "Why do you think it is in the bank's best interest to give a seven per cent loan when they have money lending at 27 per cent?"
My challenge to the policymakers, if we are serious about production and the use of technology in farming, is that you will have to do a little more than lip service and implement a 'real' policy to boost agricultural production in Jamaica. It cannot be done within a term in office or being dependent on EU and USAID money;, like everything else it will need a comprehensive plan. My humble suggestion is we start with a plan titled 'Jamaica Agriculture Policy 2011-2030'. We can then strike out the 'Eat Jamaican' media blitz.
I am, etc.,
RAYMOND SEWELL
St Catherine