Farmers Hailed for Hard Work and Dedication

State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, is hailing the nation’s farmers for their unwavering dedication and hard work, particularly  in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

The July 3 hurricane caused billions of dollars in loss and damage to the agriculture sector, with the farm belt parishes of St. Elizabeth, Clarendon and Manchester bearing the brunt of the impact.

Addressing the handover of farm supplies by Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica to farmers in St. Elizabeth on Thursday (July 25), Mr. Witter noted that the commitment of farmers “to feeding our nation even in the face of such challenges is very inspiring.”

“Our nation depends on you as we seek to recover and emerge stronger than ever.  Let’s remember that agriculture is the backbone of the economy and it is our collective responsibility to support  our farmers,” he said, at the function held at M&K Farm Supplies in Nain.

“To our farmers here in St. Elizabeth, together, we will rebuild. Together, we will recover. Let us join together as one team, one Jamaica, one St. Elizabeth people as we seek to recover from the damage of Hurricane Beryl,” he urged.

Mr. Witter noted that the Ministry has already earmarked an initial sum of $700 million to assist the sector, which includes $210 million for crop recovery, $90 million for vegetable farmers, $40 million for banana and plantain farmers, $80 million for other crops, and $60 million for small poultry farmers.

Additionally, $26 million will be directed towards rebuilding livestock infrastructure, $29 million for fisheries, $30 million for fertiliser support, $55 million for infrastructure support, $20 million for irrigation, $50 million for land preparation, and $70 million for road repairs.

“I see Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) here, which will have the task of ensuring that the supplies and support goes directly to our genuine farmers,” Mr. Witter said.

The donation from Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica, included drip tape, potting soil, seed trees,  insecticides, herbicides, fertilisers and more, and will benefit farmers in Nain, Red Banks, Bull Savannah, Junction and Southfield.

The company’s Managing Director, Graham Dunkley, outlined the company’s three-phase relief initiative,  valued at $12 million, to support the recovery of the agricultural sector.

Phase one involves material support, starting in St. Elizabeth and extending to Westmoreland, Manchester, and Clarendon.

Phase two will focus on providing technical assistance through on-farm support, crop management guidance, and access to the latest agricultural technologies, while phase three aims to build capacity by offering training programmes on disaster preparedness, climate-smart agriculture, and business management.

Mr. Dunkley noted the company’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica’s agricultural community, emphasising the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, and farmers to ensure the country’s food security.

“As a member of the Caribbean Chemicals family, the largest agricultural marketing distribution group in the English-speaking Caribbean, we are proud to be part of a regional network dedicated to agricultural progress,” Mr. Dunkley said.