Preliminary estimates indicate that the island’s agricultural sector has suffered over $1 billion in damage due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during an assessment tour of farms in sections of St. Elizabeth on Saturday (July 6). He said there was damage to all crop lines. “In fact,...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is recommending that farmers use systemic pesticides, in anticipation of increases in moisture and rainfall. Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with RADA, Ms. Francine Webb, told JIS News that unlike contact pesticides, systemic pesticides work through ingestion by the plant. “Once you are anticipating increased moisture with increased rainfall, from your hurricane...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging livestock owners to take pictures of their losses and submit them to the entity to facilitate damage assessments. Senior RADA Livestock Officer, Maxine Brown, says farmers should not bury their animals without first carefully documenting losses. “Sometimes they bury the animals very quickly and then there’s no evidence to say that, yes,...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is conducting preliminary assessments of damage sustained by the agriculture sector during the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, told JIS News that the assessments will aid in determining the level of assistance the Government will provide to farmers who have been impacted. He said the sector,...

The Banana Board is reminding banana and plantain farmers not to cut the leaves from their plants in anticipation of the oncoming hurricane. Although this practice has gained popularity, the Board is imploring farmers to desist, as this can negatively affect future crops. General Manager, Janet Ferguson Conie, said this practice can inhibit the growth of new bunches. “We are...

Pig and poultry farmers are being advised to make special accommodation to house and protect their animals ahead of Hurricane Beryl, which is expected to affect the island on Wednesday (July3). The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is asking farmers to be on high alert. Senior RADA Livestock Specialist, Maxine Brown, told JIS News that protecting poultry may prove challenging,...

As part of preparations for Hurricane Beryl, livestock owners are being advised to properly document their animals through identification, tagging and written records. Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Livestock Specialist, Maxine Brown, said farmers should double check to ensure their farm records are up-to-date. “Farmers should secure those records so that they do not get lost or damaged, should anything...