Aid for Farmers to Combat Yam Rust

Yams are a popular export crop which earned Jamaica over US$50 million in 2023. However, despite their popularity, yam farmers face production challenges as the crop can also be affected by disease.

Yam Rust

One such disease is ‘Yam rust’, also known as Goplana dioscorea and Goplana australis. This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen. Symptoms include yellow spots or pustules on the upper surfaces of the leaves which decreases the quantity and quality of yams. In May 2024, yam rust was identified for the first time locally, in negro yams. Other types of yams can also be affected.

GOJ Support

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Bodles Research Station have dispatched teams to help farmers save their crops. In addition, the Government has already procured $9 million in fungicides that will be distributed to affected farmers beginning in July 2024.

Affected farmers are encouraged to contact the nearest RADA office and report the damage to their yam crop. They can also make reports directly to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

For Additional Information Contact:

Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)
Hope Gardens
Kingston
Tel: 876-977-1158-62
Email: customer.service@rada.gov.jm
Website: https://rada.gov.jm

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
Hope Gardens
Kingston
Tel: 876-927-1731-50 / 876-619-1731
Email: psecoffice@moa.gov.jm
Website: www.moa.gov.jm
Instagram: moafmjm
Facebook: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining