Climate
JAM | Apr 14, 2021

‘Farming growth despite COVID pandemic’—Floyd Green

/ Our Today

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Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green. (Photo: JIS)

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green says there is growing evidence to suggest that even amidst the raging COVID-19 pandemic, more persons have been expressing an interest in farming. 

Minister Green, who was speaking at the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) office in Watchwell, St Elizabeth last Friday (April 9), said that, if anything, the pandemic has reinforced the importance of farming as a viable alternative and also the ability of the nation to feed itself.

“I would say we are seeing a greater interest in farming since COVID-19,” said Green, who was also in the area to oversee the commissioning into service of two 6,000-gallon water trucks, valued at J$35 million, to provide irrigation water to farmers in several farming communities in south St Elizabeth.

“I think now more than ever people are recognising that where you get your food from and your ability to feed yourself is critical. People were also asking, during the time when the borders were closed, as to what would happen if there was a food shortage. Persons, therefore, were starting to recognize the importance of the farmers who put food on our tables and are out there every day, toiling in the fields while ensuring that the agricultural sector remains sustainable in these difficult times,” he added.

Green noted that it was particularly encouraging to see many young persons, including women, getting into the profession, noting that this can only bodes well for the future.

The minister, in the meantime, noted that not only has drought conditions traditionally been a major concern to farmers but that many have long been struggling with ways to mitigate against the problem.

National Irrigation Commission recently delivered trucked water to select farms in south St Elizabeth and Manchester. (Photo contributed)

“These two trucks will increase the capacity of the NIC by 100 per cent in relation to the amount of water that we can truck weekly,” he added.

The new trucks, he said, will increase supply capacity; improve service time for water delivery; and expand the reach to farmers in areas such as Top Hill, Southfield, Congo Hole, Seaview, Santa Cruz, Middlesex, Slipe, Burnt Savannah, Mountainside, Billy’s Bay, Treasure Beach and Sandy Bank.

This expanded supply of water, Minister Green added, will allow for more farmers to have access to irrigation water and would make a significant difference in the farmers’ return on investment as well as lower their cost of production.

The trucking initiative is part of a wider drive by the ministry in the southern St Elizabeth to south Manchester belt to bring water to farmers to include the Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project—where work is underway—and the Pedro Plains Irrigation Scheme, where a feasibility study has been completed and financing is being actively pursued with the French government.

Additionally, the ministry said loading bays are to be expanded by the NIC to include separate stations to accommodate smaller vans/trucks to reduce their turnaround time and cost.

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