Fisheries Sector Being Strengthened

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says steps are being taken to strengthen the fisheries sector as part of efforts to expand food options for consumers.

This is against the backdrop of increased prices for animal protein, particularly poultry products, which have been impacted by supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, as well as increased costs for transportation, packaging materials, grains, feed and baby chicks.

Minister Charles Jr. said while dialogue with suppliers continue, the Ministry is pursuing other avenues to provide sustainable, affordable protein options for the market.

The Minister was speaking with journalists during a tour of Aqua Wilson Fish Farm in St. Catherine, on Wednesday (February 3). He also visited Dolly B. Farms and Anna Dallas Fish Farm in the parish.

The price of locally produced chicken meat increased by approximately 17 per cent over the last 12 months, moving from an average of $530 per kilogramme, to just under $620 per kilogramme.

“We want to strengthen poultry, but we want to widen the options for Jamaicans. We are focusing also on advancing our small ruminant project and advancing support for the fisheries sector… . We have an enormous, untapped potential in fisheries, not just in Jamaica but across the region,” he said.

The Minister also consulted with several fish farmers with a view to addressing challenges in the sector.

Among those highlighted were access to specialised feed, access roads for transporting produce, processing equipment, and infrastructure development.

As part of short- to medium-term solutions, the Ministry is promoting the consumption of affordable alternatives, as well as increased and efficient production of small ruminants, fish and pigs to reduce the current demand for poultry.

Importantly, the Minister said the Government is pursuing opportunities in climate-smart agriculture “to invite the kind of scientific approach that is necessary to maximise our yields”.

In addition, the Government has set aside $50 million to be made available to assist with the purchase of feed, chicks, and medication for farmers through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).