The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has been working with local farmers to deal with yam rust disease, which has presented itself in Jamaica. Yam rust, also known as Goplana dioscorea and Goplana australis, is reportedly caused by a fungal pathogen. Research has indicated that its symptoms include yellow spots or pustules on upper leaf surfaces. Portfolio Minister, Hon....

The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) will be providing $1 billion for on-lending to broiler companies and/or approved farmers who suffered losses during the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, outlined the support in the House of Representatives on July 16, where he gave an update on Hurricane Beryl relief and recovery. He said the...

A customer service hotline has been established for the agricultural and fisheries sectors to report damage and needs. Persons can call 888-Ask-RADA which is 888-275-7232. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during a post-Cabinet press conference held at Jamaica House on July 17. “You can call to deal with RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority)...

The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) is currently working to restore irrigation services to customers impacted by the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3. Public Relations Specialist with the NIC, Christeen Forbes, told JIS News in an interview today (July 16) that the Commission has since restored irrigation services to most schemes in the three regions, with all systems in...

The Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) is reporting the loss of 34,000 litres of cow’s milk as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3. Data was collected through an islandwide Impact Assessment following the hurricane. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the JDDB, Devon Sayers, told JIS News that farm visits were done on July 4 at...

A farmers’ rehabilitation fund has been launched to provide support for farmers most affected by Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the island on July 3. The fund aims to raise $20 million and was launched by the United Way of Jamaica, in collaboration with the Government and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS); ScotiaBank Canada; Seprod...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter (right), consults with Coconut Industry Board (CIB) Chairman, Christopher Gentles, during the recent Coconut Growers Annual General Meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.