State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Luther Buchanan, says the Government will be intensifying its fight against praedial larceny, the incidence of which has dropped by 14 per cent since March. He warned that heavy fines will be meted out to those who continue to engage in the practice. Addressing farmers and stakeholders at the 16th...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has again called on persons to desist from setting fires to sugarcane fields. He noted that a total of 524 fires have adversely affected cane production in the 2014/15 crop year. “This has resulted in the loss of some 172,685 tonnes or 3177.34 hectares of cane,” said the Minister. “Think of the difference...

Stakeholders in the sugar industry are being lauded for ensuring stability during recent work separation exercises, and the divestment of several sugar factories across the island. State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Luther Buchanan, who commended the various groups in the industry, including trade unions, said the collaboration can “defeat the new challenges we face.” “Against...

The Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is reporting a 14 per cent decrease in praedial larceny cases and farm theft, since the unit began operating in March. Head of the eight-month-old unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kevin Francis, said that to date they have prosecuted 133 offences, which include larceny of cattle, receiving...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has welcomed the launch of the first locally developed sorrel harvesting machine which, he said, will significantly reduce the cost and reaping time of the crop. “With the introduction of this machine, the de-seeding of sorrel will reduce, by at least 50 per cent, the time required by manual labour and will...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has given an undertaking to adopt the agricultural science department of Newell High School in St. Elizabeth. This, in a bid to assist in expanding the agricultural programme currently delivered to enrolled students. This was disclosed by State Minister, Hon. Luther Buchanan, during a visit to the school, on October 22. Speaking to JIS...

Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says poverty in most rural communities has dropped, as a result of increased earnings from agriculture. Addressing a World Food Day ceremony at the Maud McLeod High School in Darliston, Westmoreland, on October 16, Mr. Kellier said there is clear evidence that in spite of the challenges which continue to...