Help Coming for Farmers Affected by January Flood Rains as Minister Samuda Outlines New Approach to Agriculture

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda has announced that $100m in assistance is to be provided for farmers who suffered losses as a result of the heavy rains between January 4 and 18.
Some 2173 farmers in Trelawny, St. Mary and Portland suffered losses of over $343m during the period.
Minister Samuda made the announcement in parliament on Tuesday, January 23 as he outlined plans for a new approach to agriculture in light of changing weather conditions.
While acknowledging that the development of the sector has always been closely correlated with the weather, Minister Samuda said the sector cannot continue to perform in a sustainable manner without a radical shift in strategy.
The Agriculture Minister said the Ministry will now focus on the rapid expansion of protective agricultural practices such as hydroponics, green houses and covered farms to minimize the impact of adverse weather conditions on farms.
Minister Samuda also said that while steps are being taken to expand access to irrigation systems across the island, priority will also be placed on rehabilitating existing irrigation systems.
He said this will be done by concreting earthen canals, rehabilitating wells and converting flood systems to pressurized systems to facilitate drip irrigations.
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Contact: Karlene Brown Tel: 968-8669