Shaw salutes farmers’ contribution to economic growth

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Audley Shaw, has commended farmers for their dedication, commitment and resilience, noting that their work and output have played an integral role in growing Jamaica’s economy.

Stating that the key to prosperity is in the soil, the minister said that domestic crops grew by 6.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2018 with the major contributing crops being condiments (15%), fruits (20%), yams (8.4%), and vegetables (6.1%).

In a speech read by Courtney Cole, Chief Technical Director for Special Projects at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, at the launch of the 36th National Farmers’ Month on April 3 in Kingston, Minister Shaw said “we need to do more to move agriculture into the league of big business, appropriately integrated with industry and tourism because when adequately linked, these sectors can drive the kind of growth Jamaica needs”.

The minister assured farmers of Government’s commitment to support, expand, diversify and modernise the agricultural sector. This, he said, includes repairs to farm roads, installation of irrigation systems and the reorganisation of the JAS to make it more vibrant and relevant in its representation of farmers.

“We want you also to join us as we introduce new non-traditional crops to the production basket – crops such as castor bean, cassava and even strawberries, the minister said.

For his part, Lenworth Fulton, president of the JAS, expressed support for the Ministry’s Fruit Tree Crop Programme, noting that research has indicated that within the next 30 years 1.4 billion people worldwide will experience serious water issues and 170 million people will be affected by lack of food.

The JAS president also lamented the use of arable lands for non-agricultural purposes and proposed that a symposium be held with all stakeholders with a view towards developing a land use policy.

Farmers Month is held annually to celebrate the work of Jamaican farmers. Activities will include a lecture focusing on the impact of climate change at the University of Technology, Farmers’ Training and Recognition Forum across the island, H&L Agro Farmers’ Special, offering a 3-15% discount at all locations and a Newport-Fersan Sale Day.