RADA on Mission to Revolutionise Sector

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Lenworth Fulton, says the organisation is on a mission to revolutionise the sector with the adoption and use of new and modern technologies.

Mr. Fulton said after 25 years of working with the nation’s 230,000 registered farmers, the time has come for RADA to explore new technologies with a view to improving the livelihood of players in the sector.

“As RADA continues its effort to improve the quality of delivering extension services, we will seek to employ and explore modern technological approaches in revolutionising agriculture. Among the strategies to do that are exemplary projects and programmes. RADA is also collaborating with the Commonwealth of Learning to improve the livelihood of farmers through lifelong learning,” he said.

Mr. Fulton was speaking at the official opening of the RADA Trelawny parish office at Hague, near Falmouth, on October 1.

He pointed out that as part of the mission to train local farmers, officers of RADA have undergone extensive overseas training.

Mr. Fulton praised the farmers of Trelawny for increasing tuber production by 3.1 per cent, despite the severe drought which has been affecting sections of the country.

“The farmers of Trelawny have shown resilience, producing more yams, potatoes and other tubers. Based on the extended drought period affecting our farmers, this increase is commendable and we implore that it be continued,” he said.

Mr. Fulton also highlighted improvements in the Bee Revolving Project and the Home Economics and Social Service Unit in Trelawny as other positive developments in the parish, which have contributed to increased production and capacity building.

In addition to the RADA parish office, the 5,765 square metre complex, built on  land donated by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), also houses offices of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, the National Land Agency (NLA) as well as the JAS Trelawny Branch Societies.

The complex was constructed at a cost of $80 million.