The Government has unveiled the design of Jamaica’s first National Identification (ID) card, which is engraved with national symbols and has 26 security features. The uniquely designed card, which is a key deliverable of the National Identification System (NIDS) project intended to provide a safe, convenient, and reliable means of proving an individual’s identity, was revealed by Prime Minister, the...

Production of selected crops and livestock has increased as part of a wider import-substitution strategy. Making his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 17, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the move will increase Jamaica’s food security in case of any fallout or disruption in the sector. He added that the Ministry...

A digital transformation support programme is being designed for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to aid in the adoption of technological solutions that will improve sustainability and advance the sector’s growth. The initiative, which will involve the integration of specialised digitalisation business development support, is being undertaken by the Industry, Investment and Commerce Ministry with the support of the...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is collaborating with Jamaica’s main fertiliser manufacturer to guide research for the development of new blends that will maximise efficiency and reduce the cost for farmers. “Right now, our farmers, sadly, are utilising sometimes the wrong fertiliser and too much fertiliser. It is causing burning of our soil and it is constricting our productivity,”...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is reporting that despite the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the production of chicken meat, eggs, and domestic food crops increased in 2021 when compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Portfolio Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr., provided an update while making his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives...

Jamaica’s agriculture sector is slated to benefit from millions of dollars in support to bolster food security by strengthening the country’s agricultural output and improving sustainability and resilience within the sector. The initiatives, to be implemented through partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), include a $38-million Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Reduction programme that will focus on strengthening...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is introducing a new campaign dubbed ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ as part of the national food security thrust. The initiative will target several priority areas, among them crop production, climate-smart practices and technologies, access to finance, and advancing and expanding insurance for farmers, with a focus on praedial larceny. It will also facilitate development...