The Government will continue advancing the Essex Valley Irrigation Infrastructure Development Programme in fiscal year 2026/27 with an additional provision of $904 million. Details of the allocation are outlined in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on February 12 by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams. The project is...

Lending institutions are being urged to re-evaluate their approaches to the agricultural sector, shifting from consumer lending to providing more accessible, affordable credit for farmers. Making the call, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, said that banks have been more comfortable financing consumer-related purchases, like a new car, noting that “this mindset must change”. “Part of what...

Past students of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) are being urged to remain connected and to become active members of the alumni groups to sustain and strengthen the institution. President of the CASE Alumni Association, Everett Hyatt, made the call during the recent Founders’ Weekend event held at the college’s campus in Portland. “Whether you do it...

Twenty-eight agricultural extension officers from across Jamaica have successfully completed an intensive two-day specialised soil management training programme, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient farming and improving agricultural productivity nationwide. The officers were recognised during the programme’s closing ceremony at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on Tuesday (February 17). The initiative was implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture,...

Thirty-three farmers at the Parnassus Agro-Park have received farm tools and supplies from the Government, valued at approximately $30 million, equipping them to increase production, strengthen their livelihoods, and contribute to Jamaica’s food security. Among the items are one-acre irrigation systems, fencing materials, seeds, seedlings, crop inputs for one-acre and half-acre plots, and small tools such as mist blowers and...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging onion farmers in Heartease, St. Thomas, to take steps to manage the rise in foliar disease affecting their crops. Foliar disease primarily affects the leaves. These infections are usually caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses, and they interfere with photosynthesis, weaken plant growth, and reduce crop yield and quality. It can affect...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, is encouraging farmers to plant more fruit trees, particularly ackee and breadfruit, to meet local and overseas demand and replenish crops lost during Hurricane Melissa. “We’re on a drive to expand our fruit trees, especially ackee and breadfruit. Clearly, ackee is our second largest export. We’re seeing tremendous demand for it...