Hanover Agricultural and Industrial Show Slated for May 24

Despite the drought conditions affecting the parish, plans are advanced for the sixth staging of the Hanover Agricultural and Industrial Show on Friday, May 24.

The event will be staged by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Hanover Association of Branch Societies (HABS).

Parish Manager for the HABS, Kameil Scott, told JIS News that the show will be held at Lord’s Playfield in Lucea, due to its central location, instead of the customary Bioprist facility.

“This year’s show is proof of the farmers’ resilience and tenacity, as Hanover has been hard hit by severe drought conditions. We are optimistic that the drought will soon break; but the farmers have been fighting back by applying drip irrigation in addition to the dry farming method used by farmers on the south coast,” Ms. Scott stated.

She said the show’s relocation to the new venue was in a bid by HABS to attract more patrons.

“We have made some changes that, hopefully, will result in more farmers and young people participating; for example, we have waived the admission fees in the hope that the numbers will grow,” the Parish Manager added.

A gospel segment will be a new addition to the entertainment package, which has always been very popular, and which provides an opportunity for local acts to showcase their talent.

“While we are not able to attract the big names, we are still expecting that Hanover’s talented will turn up and use the opportunity to ‘get a buss’ and expose their talent. With Hanover celebrating its 300th anniversary as a parish, we want to show up and show off the mettle we are made of,” Ms. Scott further stated.

Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and will feature show staples – the Hanover Farm Queen competition, farmers market, exhibitions, plant and livestock displays, kiddie’s village, youth involvement/innovation, and live entertainment, as well as various spot prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

Invitations have also been extended to farmers and agricultural organisations and agriculture services providers from neighbouring parishes, Ms. Scott informed.

Meanwhile, Ms. Scott said there has been improvement in the amount of rainfall in some areas in the parish over recent weeks.

It is anticipated that the downpours will have a positive impact on crop output, she added.

The show, which will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, will also receive support from the JAS, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Jamaica 4-H Clubs, and Social Development Commission (SDC).