Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller says Government has spent well over $3 billion to install modern irrigation facilities in support of sustainable agricultural production in the country. She noted that in 1998 when the National Irrigation Development Plan (NIDP) was developed, there was a consciousness that irrigation must play a critical role in lifting agricultural production and...

The Government is being urged to accelerate the development of a local bamboo industry to tap into the lucrative global market for the environmentally-friendly product, which is estimated to reach US$20 billion by 2015. Senator Norman Grant, who made the call in the Senate yesterday (January 17), said that this should be done through a mix of policy initiatives, farmer...

Persons found in possession of agricultural produce, for which they have no receipt or invoice, may face hefty fines if recommendations put forward by the Economy and Production Committee of Parliament for the strengthening the praedial larceny law are adopted. At a meeting at Gordon House on January 14, committee member, Daryl Vaz, noted that currently, the end user is...

Pan-Caribbean Limited, operators of the Monymusk and Frome sugar factories, has announced plans to pump some US$180 million to US$200 million into enhancing the plants, and upgrading equipment at the two facilities. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pan-Caribbean, Dr. Huaixiang Wu, made the announcement on January 15, as he addressed a signing ceremony with the All Island Cane Farmers Association...

The All Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association has signed an agreement with Pan-Caribbean Sugar Company, authorizing the firm to sell sugar and molasses on behalf of the farmers, and to establish a pricing regime. Under the agreement, the farmers, represented by the association and trading under the name, All Cane, have legally granted permission to Pan-Caribbean to sell sugar and...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is exploring the possibility of introducing the bio-stimulant Vitazyme to the local agriculture industry as part of efforts to boost production and productivity. Vitazyme is an all-natural growth formulation, which, when applied to fruits, vegetables, small grains, and other crops, improves their yield and quality. It is manufactured by United States-based firm, Vital Earth...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says the Government is slated to spend an estimated $3 billion on major social infrastructure projects over the next three financial years. Included in these, is the resettlement of sugar industry workers currently residing in barracks on the estates to which they are attached. Speaking at the official opening ceremony for the newly...