Farmers Implored to Complete Hurricane Preparations

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers across Jamaica to complete their final rounds of preparation as Hurricane Melissa draws closer to the country.

Director of Public Relations and Communication, Camille Beckford, told JIS News that RADA has been in constant communication with farmers, providing practical guidance to help them safeguard their crops and livestock.

The entity has been using multiple communication channels to reach farmers to include WhatsApp groups, direct advisories, text messages, personal phone calls, and face-to-face meetings.

“We have learned from prior hurricanes and we’re making better [preparations] because we have to help our farmers in every way that we can in order to rebound in the shortest possible way,” Ms. Beckford said.

She indicated that RADA’s hurricane preparedness strategy for the 2025 season began in May, which included extensive training sessions with farmers to help them plan and respond to any potential disaster.

For St. Elizabeth, where approximately 39,000 farmers are registered with RADA, Ms. Beckford said that stakeholders, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, were already advised to move their animals to higher ground or secure locations like garages.

Moreover, crop farmers have been urged to clear drains and gutters, and to safely store pesticides and other chemicals to prevent contamination or damage during the hurricane.

“We would have hoped that all of this preparation occurred because what we don’t want is, whenever we’re having the high winds and the heavy rains, for them to be out there preparing,” Ms. Beckford told JIS News.

“So, we have done several interviews publicly to notify our farmers on the steps that should be taken at this time and prior to now in preparation,” she added.

Ms. Beckford informed that Starlink satellite internet systems have been installed in parishes that experienced connectivity problems during last year’s Hurricane Beryl. These parishes include Hanover, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James.

Some 24 agricultural extension officers have been trained in the operation of drones, which will be deployed to conduct damage assessments in areas that become inaccessible.

Ms. Beckford pointed out that in anticipation of post-hurricane recovery needs, the entity has coordinated with agricultural input suppliers to ensure adequate stocks of seeds, fertilisers, and chemicals.

She told JIS News that approximately $40 million worth of seeds is already being dispatched to various parishes to support replanting efforts following the hurricane.

“We have been advising our farmers accordingly [and] we’re hoping definitely for the best,” Ms. Beckford said.