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KINGSTON — The operational capacities of three sugar estates, which the Government has divested to the China National Complete Plant Export Corporation (COMPLANT), have been significantly boosted by the acquisition of some US$15 million worth of machinery and vehicles. The equipment, which have been procured for Frome, Westmoreland; Monymusk, Clarendon; and Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine, include: tractors, trailer heads, and...

KINGSTON — With the start of the planting season for competitive crops, such as Irish potatoes and onions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is rolling out a $500 million line of credit, through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), to support the farmers. The funds are being made accessible through the Peoples’ Cooperative (PC) banks, at an interest rate...

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has unveiled a programme under which farmers will get critical inputs enabling them take full advantage of the crop planting season, as the Government seeks to empower them to engage in best practices to strengthen food security. Under the Growing Resources Obtaining Wealth (GROW) Project, the Ministry is providing for registered farming...

KINGSTON — Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry, says the Fisheries Division will become an executive agency within a year, thereby providing for improved management of the sector. "We are committed to the restructuring of the Fisheries Division and we are on course to convert it into an executive agency, fully resourced with equipment to...

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, is confident that the country can achieve self-sufficiency in beef production. He stated that Government’s plan to significantly boost production of beef to meet 60 to 65 per cent of local consumption needs by 2020 is achievable. Minister Montague was addressing a National Consultation on Jamaica's Livestock Sector held yesterday...

KINGSTON — Approval has been granted by the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) Board of Directors for the expenditure of $1.5 million, to upgrade three abandoned community catchment systems  in the parish of St. Elizabeth. The systems are located in  Southfield, Lititz and White Hill, all known for their agricultural production. This was announced by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon....

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government is committed to ensuring the survival of the livestock industry, noting that several strategies are being implemented in collaboration with state and private agencies. "We are confident that the livestock industry will survive. We are confident that with the policies of the Government and the investments...

KINGSTON — Minister with responsibility for Information and the Public Service, Senator Hon. Arthur Williams, says no restriction has been placed on food processors exporting to the United States. In a response to a release published on Tuesday claiming that temporary bans have been imposed on food processors, Mr. Williams said the Bureau of Standards Jamaica has informed him that...

MONTEGO BAY — The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) office in Montego Bay, St. James, is moving to increase vegetable production in the parish, through the implementation of a state-of the art Greenhouse to produce vegetable seedlings. The project has come about with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Greenhouse is valued at approximately $1 .5 million...

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, says he is working to have the Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine, renamed in honour of the late Jamaican scientist, Dr. T.P. Lecky. Speaking at the institution’s 2011 Open Day on Tuesday (November 8), the Minister argued that the work of the renowned scientist has benefited the country and...

KINGSTON — In an effort to boost production and productivity, as well as increase investment in the sugar cane industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is proposing to inject some $1.7 billion into the Cane Expansion Fund by 2014. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, made the point as he addressed the 75th Annual Conference of the...

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries presented machinery valued at US$300,000 to the Jamaica Rice Producers Association (JARPA) on November 3 as part of efforts by the Government to re-develop the local rice industry. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, handed over the equipment to the rice producers, which consists of two rice combine harvesters, during a brief ceremony...