Praedial Larceny Plan to be put into Effect in April

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, has said that strategies to wipe out praedial larceny would be implemented by the end of April.
He noted that a sum of $5 million had been made available by the Ministry of Agriculture for the printing of 30,000 of the 100,000 receipt books, and urged all farmers to ensure that they were registered so that the appropriate registration numbers can be affixed to the receipt books. He said that as soon as the registration process was completed, the machinery to eradicate praedial thieves would be put in motion.
“The farmers of this country lose over $4 billion each year and the JAS has pledged to put a stop to those who seek to draw when they have not set and to reap when they have not sown. I therefore applaud the amendment to the Praedial Larceny Act that has now brought the fishermen and livestock under the Act and when persons steal any agricultural products, then you will be answering to the law”, Senator Grant stated.
He was addressing the official media launch of the 16th staging of the Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay recently.
Senator Grant noted that the JAS was ready to fight praedial larceny and would be working with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), to support the farmers in their efforts to make a livelihood from their activities.
“I am confident that the farmers of Jamaica have a bright future and that the JAS is willing and has the capability to work with RADA, the government, all the other agencies, the farmers themselves and all the relevant stakeholders, to ensure their prosperity not only within the Jamaican context but also within the region and throughout the world”, Senator Grant stated.
The Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show, which was postponed last year due to the effect of the Moko disease, is scheduled for Easter Monday, March 28 at Montpelier, St. James. It is expected to attract some 15,000 patrons and will feature the best in agricultural produce, farm equipment, livestock, exotic birds and various farming exhibitions.
There will also be an attractive entertainment package featuring performances from popular artistes such as Ken Boothe, Mighty Diamond, Yellow Man, Bunny Brown, Fanton Mojah and Major Lloyd.