RADA Providing Input Supplies to St. Thomas Farmers

St. Thomas farmers who suffered loss or damage from recent heavy rains are receiving essential inputs and supplies through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Parish Office.

Acting Parish Manager, Errard Stephenson, said that in recent weeks, the entity has distributed more than 589 bags of Irish potato seedlings to farmers in all six extension areas.

“Over 100 farmers have benefited,” he said, while addressing the recent monthly meeting of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation in Morant Bay.

He noted that the agency has distributed over 400 bags of fertilisers and has provided $1.5 million in support to poultry farmers.

In addition, Mr. Stepheson informed that more than 100 farmers have signed up for RADA’s land-preparation subsidy, through which they receive assistance to get their land ready for planting.

“We will continue to sign up more farmers for that programme. The subsidy is there and we continue to offer it, and the farmers are benefiting significantly,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Mr. Stephenson said that onion production “is in full swing” with 284 farmers receiving support for replanting.

“Cassava production has gone up, the price is right, and the farmers are getting better benefits,” he added, noting that RADA is assisting with the marketing of the crop.

He said that funds have also been provided to repair farm roads in the parish.

RADA is an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, with a mandate to enhance the development of farming through an effective, efficient, and sustainable extension service.