The establishment of demonstration plots in St. Elizabeth and Manchester to find workable solutions regarding the “watermelon situation” has started and is now in high gear.
Among the varied impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic that struck the nation from March 2020 was the halting of the entertainment industry on a national level. This included renowned agricultural shows that have become a main-stay in showcasing the finest of Jamaica’s cuisine culture and providing an outlet for stakeholders within the agricultural sector to highlight new initiatives and programmes that benefit the farmers of Jamaica.
Hon. Franklin Witter, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries addressed farmers of Pedro Plains, St. Elizabeth on January 27, 2022, regarding the watermelon situation that have been having a debilitating effect on their levels of production.
From early 2020, some watermelon farmers in Junction, Pedro Plains, Southfield St. Elizabeth and New Forest Manchester and surrounding areas have been grossly affected by losses in production based on a mystery disease.
How did Plantwise get started in Jamaica?
The agricultural sector has been tremendously affected by the passage of Tropical Storms Grace and Ida which took place on August 17th and from Wednesday, August 25th into Friday August 27, 2021 respectively.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MOAF) in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has sought to renew the “Backyard Garden Programme” initiative. This programme seeks to assist 3000 residents throughout the island, to grow vegetables and herbs in small spaces in their backyards or other community spaces.
The official launch took place at Portmore Heart Academy, Heart College of Construction Services St. Catherine on February 18, 2021, Guest Speaker for the event was the Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
On Friday, January 15, 2021, Hon, Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries handed over a backhoe to the Parish of St. Elizabeth. The ceremony took place at the Holland Estate.
After the severe damage experienced by farmers from heavy rains through Tropical Storm Eta, there was a great demand and interest for the Governments’ intervention in clearing access roads within farming communities and clear blocked drains.
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) continues to support the Eat Jamaican Month Celebration, on this the 17th anniversary of the event organized by the Jamaica Agricultural Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF).
The essence of the ‘Eat Jamaican’ Campaign was borne out of the need to encourage consumers to recognize, support and to have a greater appreciation for the range and quality of Jamaica’s Agricultural produce and products.
Based on preliminary assessment undertaken by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) of the damage to domestic crop and livestock production (October 2020), it was estimated that over 11,000 farmers suffered losses at a value of approximately $1.8B. Below is a list of recommendations to farmers who are able to commence the recovery efforts in the shortest possible time.
PHOTO: At the Project Signing Agro Irrigation Project for the St. Peters Vegetable and Coffee Group on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the RADA St. Andrew Parish Office, 197 Hope Road, Kingston from left Mark Harvey, Assistant Agricultural Extension Officer RADA St. Andrew, Mervin Green, RADA Zonal Director (East), Miguel Williams, Project Manager Digicel, Garfield Williams, President St. Peters Vegetable and Coffee Group and Denise Mitchell, Treasurer St. Peters Vegetable and Coffee Group.
