The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) says strategies are in place to serve customers facing disruption during the current dry spell. “The NIC has been experiencing a reduction in the flow of surface water due to the current dry weather condition. However, we are still able to supply our customers with water. The NIC has a mitigation strategy, and part of...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says an investor has expressed interest in opening a bamboo factory in the parish of Hanover. He made the disclosure during his address at the Hanover Agricultural Show held at the Jockey Factory in Lucea on Saturday (May 25). “This is the parish with the...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the Electronic Single Window (ESW) will be a game changer for importers and exporters. The system, which forms part of Jamaica’s Trade Facilitation Programme, integrates approximately 20 border regulatory agencies into a single platform for all documentation relating to trade. It is being implemented by the Jamaica Customs Agency...

The Government will soon begin the process of divesting former sugar cane lands to be used for high-yielding, profitable crop production. “The crisis of sugar must now emerge into a glorious opportunity of so many other things that we can produce in Jamaica,” said Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw. “We are about to distribute sugar...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Audley Shaw, has charged agriculture students to come up with solutions to address the impact of climate change on the sector. “As farmers in training, you have felt the impact of climate change that has resulted in the number of pests and diseases. We are looking to you, younger farmers, to...

Some 300 farmers who cultivate approximately 150 acres of land in Southfield and Bull Savannah in St. Elizabeth have benefited from drip irrigation tools and equipment valued at over $69 million. During a ceremony at the Bethel Bible Camp in the Malvern Chase District of Southfield on Thursday (May 9), each farmer was presented with 0.5 acres of drip irrigation...

The Government is working to complete the National Investment Policy before the end of the year. The policy will guide the development, administration and monitoring of the investment community, to ensure cohesion among all related initiatives, programmes, incentive regimes and stakeholder contributions. It is aimed at attracting and facilitating greater levels of investment for Jamaica. “We are now finalising our...