The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is exploring ways to supply tilapia farmers will quality fish feed including manufacturing the produce locally. Tilapia are considered top and middle feeders, meaning that they eat food that floats on the surface of the water or at mid-level. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Chairman of the NFA Board, Lieutenant Commander George Overton,...

Greater take-up of tilapia farming is being encouraged as part of efforts to boost local fish production and to relieve the stress on reef fish. Chief Executive Officer at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, in making the call, said that improving tilapia production “will allow us to improve the blue protein, which is protein from fisheries stock.”...

Chief Executive Officer at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, says that the entity is committed to safeguarding the sustainability of the fisheries industry to ensure that it continues to thrive and benefit future generations. Sustainable fisheries focuses on production of fish and fish products that does not harm the marine environment or food chain, thereby safeguarding food...

The Research and Development Division in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has once again stated its commitment to expanding production to meet growing demands. Part of efforts involve continued rehabilitative work being done on research stations, with works at Bodles to wrap up later this year. Principal Research Director (Acting) for the Research and Development Division in the Ministry...

Rehabilitation of the Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine has included efforts to secure and promote milk production by the Jamaica Hope breed of cattle. Touted as the father of the Jamaican Dairy Industry, Dr. Thomas Lecky’s extensive research in 1951 resulted in the Jamaica Hope, the first breed of indigenous Jamaican cattle. Further research on the part of Dr....

Artificial insemination of animals is scheduled to begin this month under the National Livestock Genetic Improvement and Breeding Technology Programme. Launched in November of last year by the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), the programme is aimed at expanding production in the livestock industry through the provision of high-quality stock and reducing Jamaica's importation of beef and milk. Chief Executive...

Farmers islandwide are being encouraged to send in their requests for grass, under the Pasture Improvement and Fodder Bank Development Programme. The programme aims to sustain adequate nutrient supplies of grass for grazing by cattle by supporting pastures across the island. Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), Devon Sayers, told JIS News that the Programme has...