Farmers Urged to Take Measures to Ease Effects of Dry Spell

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is advising farmers to put measures in place to mitigate the impacts of the dry spell on crops and livestock.

In Jamaica, the dry period for farmers typically occurs from December to April each year, with the peak of the dry season falling between February and April, impacting planting schedules and water needs for crops and livestock.

Speaking with JIS News, Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with RADA, Francine Webb, said that while “the outlook for this period is indicating that we should not have any particular concerns for short- and long-term drought up to May 2025, while we are going into the dry period, we must prepare, put things in place to effectively manage that period”.

She noted that the dry season will have immediate impacts such as reduction in soil moisture, depletion of water sources for irrigation, stress, vegetation and an increased risk for crop failure.

Ms. Webb noted that the cooler than usual nights for the period up to March, should help with certain crops that require colder environments.

“Above-normal daytime temperatures though, are forecasted for the April to June period, which would indicate some kind of heat stress on crop and livestock,” she indicated.

Farmers are encouraged to make provisions to keep both crop and livestock protected and hydrated with the temperature fluctuations.

“There are actionable steps that can be taken. Farmers can look at their soil and crop management, as well as their livestock and the pasture management and adjust as needed,” Ms. Webb told JIS News.