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Hundreds of farmers from Lititz and surrounding communities in South St. Elizabeth are to benefit from a small-scale irrigation system set up by the Government, through the National Irrigation Commission Limited (NIC), at a cost of  $6.5 million. The system, deemed necessary due to the historical pattern of low rainfall in the area, is supported by rainwater harvesting facilities. There are...

Several Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) extension officers are currently engaged in a two-day sorrel harvesting training programme, aimed at equipping them with knowledge on production techniques to be transferred to farmers. Experts from the University of Chapingo in Mexico, are providing training to 20 officers from all parishes on the correct use of the sorrel harvesting machine, designed and...

The Government will be providing more than $100 million in material and services to assist with the restoration of farming in the worse-affected parishes. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, made the announcement on Tuesday (Nov. 6) in the House of Representatives, where she gave an update on the Government’s assistance to the various sectors in the aftermath...

To assist with the resuscitation of the banana industry, the Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, has negotiated a $100 million loan package from the People’s Cooperative (PC) Banks, which will be available to farmers at an interest rate of five per cent. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, during a statement in the House of...

The Government, on Tuesday received 1,000 bags of fertilizer from local manufacturer, Newport Fersan (Jamaica) Limited, in an effort to resuscitate the agricultural sector, following the passage of Hurricane Sandy. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, accepted the donation from the Newport Fersan’s Managing Director, Dennis Valdez at the company’s Wherry Wharf complex at Newport East, Kingston. In...

Jamaica is taking steps towards enhancing the resilience of its agriculture sector and coastal areas in an effort to protect the livelihood and food security of its people. The objectives will be achieved under the Jamaica Adaptation Fund Programme, which was formally launched on Friday by Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, at the Knutsford...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, says despite the expected downturn in the sugar industry, due to the passage of Hurricane Sandy, stakeholders must rely less on importation and increase production as a means of saving the sector. “We ought to be thinking about producing sugar for the export market, and to satisfying local demand. The price we...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says the Cocoa Industry Board (CIB) has been instructed to divert a $15 million advance, previously received from the Ministry, for use in resuscitating the local cocoa industry, which was impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Speaking during the second Social Development Commission (SDC) Parish/Town Hall Meeting in May Pen, Clarendon, on October 31, Mr....

Minister of State for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, says here are no plans to increase imports of agricultural produce in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He said that despite the estimated $2 billion in damage to the sector, adequate foodstuff will be available to meet the needs of consumers. “Let me make it quite clear, there will be...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be working to ensure that hurricane damage at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is addressed as soon as possible. Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Ian Hayles, made the commitment on Monday October 29, while addressing staff of the Portland-based institution, where he stopped, while on a tour of...

Minister of State for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, is advising all farmers, who have suffered losses as a result of the recent passing of Hurricane Sandy, to make a report to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) by Friday (November 2), in order to be considered for assistance. “I am saying to all the farmers across the country,...

General Manager of the Banana Board, Janet Conie, said the agency will be working assiduously to facilitate the early recovery of farmers affected by the passage of Hurricane Sandy. Speaking to JIS News following a recent tour of banana farms in St. Mary, Mrs. Conie said the Board will be working very closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries...