Jamaica’s Agricultural Sector Growth Surpasses 10% in First Quarter of 2024

• Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, revealed promising insights during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. According to preliminary data, the agricultural sector experienced remarkable growth, surpassing a notable 10% mark in the first quarter of 2024.

• Green commended the diligence and commitment of farmers, attributing the sector’s success to their unwavering efforts. “However, amidst this achievement, he emphasised the pressing need to address the challenges posed by an ongoing drought cycle, significantly impacting agricultural operations across the nation.

• Highlighting the proactive measures taken by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Green informed that teams are actively engaged in assessing the drought’s repercussions on produce, particularly focusing on vegetables.

• Extended periods of drought typically exert severe strain on vegetable cultivation, especially affecting leafy greens. In response to the looming threat of crop losses, Green outlined the government’s concerted efforts in drought mitigation. The primary objective is to minimise losses and support farmers in safeguarding their crops against adverse environmental conditions.

• Despite these efforts, Green acknowledged the likelihood of some fallout but remained optimistic about mitigating the impact through proactive measures. Green highlighted collaborative initiatives, including meetings with greenhouse clusters, aimed at bolstering vegetable production to maintain consistent supplies amidst the challenges posed by the drought.

• In addition to these initiatives, there is a need for more investments from the Government to enhance the island’s water storage infrastructure as a more sustainable solution to the trucking of water to drought-affected communities. There is also significant room for the investment in and promotion of climate-smart farming practices, among local farmers to protect local agricultural production, inflation, and overall economic activity from the vagaries of climate change.

(Sources: Caribbean News Weekly and NCBCM Research)