The Government has outlined plans to aid Jamaica’s agricultural sector amid drought conditions.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “We empathise with the challenges being faced by farmers and assure them that Government support will continue and, indeed, be increased.”
He stated that as part of the drought mitigation programme, the Ministry of Agriculture has begun transporting water to parishes most affected by the drought, such as St Elizabeth and Manchester, thanks to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and has increased water supply through the National Irrigation Commission (NIC).
Holness said that from January to March, over 9 million gallons of water have been transported to approximately 900 farmers to soften the impact of the drought. He noted that the agriculture ministry has also distributed 9,000 metres of pond liners (a layer of strong material that’s placed at the bottom of pond to prevent water loss) to 45 recipients.
The NIC has also distributed:
- Forty-four (44) 650 gallons tanks
- Fourteen (14) 1000 gallons tanks
- Four Hundred (400) 12 mm reels of drip hose.
The Government has allocated J$60 million specifically to alleviate the strains of drought with the transportation of water, provision of additional drip irrigation and support for livestock farmers.
Holness said that the programme will be ramped up as the drought continues.
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