Stakeholders Highlight Revolutionary Transformation in Agriculture

Agricultural industry stakeholders are highlighting the sector’s revolutionary transformation being spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and its portfolio agencies, by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to propel agri-business into the future.

This was emphasised by Jamaica 4-H Clubs Youth Farmer Awardee, Orville McFarlane, during a panel discussion at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Expo 2024 on March 24.

The event was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Mr. McFarlane said the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has been actively promoting modernised farming practices.

Among these, he informed, are container, hydroponic and backyard farming, all championed by RADA through workshops and seminars aimed at educating and empowering farmers, particularly the youth.

Mr. McFarlane contended that the introduction to new technologies and techniques in food production will yield greater profits, which he and his family have experienced first-hand.

“My grandfather normally grows sweet peppers in the fields. Now we have new technology like the greenhouse where we can grow pepper. The plants are in a controlled environment and he also gets eight to nine months of harvest instead of three months,” he said.

Mr. McFarlane added that “agriculture is not limited to land anymore; there is technology now where you are able to do [farming] on your roofs”.

The youth awardee was lauded for his engagements, which are serving to illustrate to his peers that agriculture should be viewed as viable a career option as traditional vocations.

For his part, Quality Manager in the Ministry’s Plant Quarantine Branch, Dalton Hastings, advised that the Ministry will soon be utilising Global Positioning System (GPS) imagery to increase profits in agriculture.

“We are looking at how it is that we can use GPS imagery to drive agriculture where you can get real-time data so [that], wherever you are, you can get it. We’re looking at using drone technology [and] applying fertiliser, so [that] you’re reducing the labour,” he said.

Mr. Hastings added that a modernised focus in agriculture will greatly reflect in proper crop management.

“Too often people figure that when you’re watering plants, you give them as much water as you think. No, there’s an amount that must be used, and we’re trying to conserve the water system. So when we apply water to a plant, we give it what is needed,” he said.