The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is dismissing claims going the rounds on social media that Jamaica is importing yam from China.

“The ministry has been made aware of a social media post purporting that Jamaica imports fresh yam originating from China. Our investigation has revealed no evidence or records of yams being imported into Jamaica, originating from China or any other country,” a press release issued by the ministry stated.

The ministry noted that no import permits have been issued for the importation of yams into Jamaica.

Rebuffing the claims, the ministry pointed out that it has neither approved or intends to approve any importation of yams into the country.

In its release, the ministry sought to remind Jamaicans that the country boasts a vibrant yam industry and an enviable reputation for high quality yams.

“For the past 12 years, yam has remained the top agricultural export crop for Jamaica with the ministry facilitating its expansion through several initiatives to include research, productivity and production focus, and export facilitation.”

The ministry said it has remained vigilant in ensuring Jamaica continues to be a lead producer and exporter of yams.

The agency used the opportunity to encourage importers of produce to ensure that they are on the right side of the law.

“Notwithstanding this fake news or otherwise ill-informed post, we take this opportunity to remind our importers and the general public that the importation of agricultural produce into Jamaica requires an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.”

Failure to obtain a permit for agricultural import is a breach of the Plants Quarantine Act and liable for prosecution.