As the country’s agricultural sector continues to recover from last year’s adverse weather conditions, consumers are seeing a reduction in prices for produce, particularly vegetables. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, provided the update on the sector performance in a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (February 4). “The data speaks for itself. Nearly 70...

Farmers islandwide are being urged to report changes in pest populations affecting their fields to the relevant officers in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Ministry. Pests left unchecked can devastate fields of crops, resulting in significant losses for farmers and jeopardising Jamaica’s food security. Identifier/Entomologist in the Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Unit in Kingston, Karen Barrett Christie, says the...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has allocated $134 million to provide tangible relief to farmers affected by the current dry period. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (February 4). He indicated that while no parish has experienced a meteorological drought, seven recorded below-average rainfall, with measurements...

The Government will be ramping up research and development activities in agriculture to strengthen food security and value-added industries in the sector. Addressing the handover ceremony for seven irrigation travellers to the Bodles Agricultural Research Centre in St. Catherine on January 29, Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, said the Government has been consistent in its resolve to...

More than 150 acres of pasture are being resuscitated or re-established at the Bodles Agriculture Research Station in St. Catherine to ensure adequate and consistent supply of high-quality animal feed. Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, said the feed,  produced from grass and forage in the form of green chops, hay and silage, will support the station’s dairy cattle and...

Farmers across the country can expect normal to below normal rainfall, as the peak period of the dry season approaches. Running from February to April, this peak dry period can affect planting schedules and the watering needs of plants and livestock. “That is something to bear in mind because what we must focus on now is water conservation and also...

New smart traps installed islandwide to detect the presence of the Medfly and Tomato Leafminer pests, should they enter the country, are expected to be pivotal in safeguarding Jamaica’s agriculture sector and tourism product. In November, 125 smart traps, valued $53 million, were installed by the Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining...