Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr is lauding Jamaican farmers for six consecutive quarters of growth since the second quarter of 2021.

“Our agriculture sector has been achieving unprecedented numbers since the start of the year, with the third quarter reflecting one the best-performing quarters on record,” Charles Jr said.

“This progress has continued, and I am proud to report that we have seen a 17.4 per cent increase in production representing six consecutive quarters of growth.”

He added: “Thankfully, the recent heavy rains that we experienced in late September this year, following the passage of Tropical Storm Ian, did not significantly impact the overall output for the third quarter, given that harvesting was already completed for the period. Gross output for the sub-sector for the third quarter of 2022 amounted to 214,599.2 tonnes, in comparison to 182,750 tonnes reaped in the similar period of 2021.”

EXPANSION FACILITATED BY TARGETED INTERVENTIONS

The ministry reported that the domestic crop sub-sector continues to perform well in response to increased investment and support based on targeted interventions in productivity and marketing. All major crop groups reflected an increase for the third quarter of 2022. The most significant increases were observed for plantains at 21.9 per cent; fruits at 20.8 per cent, yams at 19.1 per cent, vegetables at 18.5 per cent and condiments at 16.9 per cent. In terms of absolute volumes, the most significant increases were seen for vegetables (11,522 tonnes), yams (8,166 tonnes), and fruits (4,449 tonnes).

Much of the expansion in these crop groups were facilitated by targeted interventions under the Production and Productivity Programme. The increases seen in this quarter represent continued recovery and expansion within the sector, facilitated in large part by the interventions of the ministry through this programme. The Production and Productivity Programme has been instrumental in providing relief to farmers in the form of chemicals, fertilisers, seeds, and other planting material which helped to drive the recovery process across parishes. This, along with the resilience of farmers, propelled the sector to rebound despite the challenges.

Charles Jr further said: “I urge our farmers and fisherfolk to continue their present trajectory and be reassured that the MoAF remains committed to our ongoing tireless efforts to support the sector so we can strengthen our food security drive as we continue to grow smart and eat smart.

“Also, I want to urge our Jamaican people to eat smart, eat more Jamaican produce and continue their support of our farmers and fishers to ensure we are successful in achieving food security for Jamaica.”

‘Grow Smart Eat Smart’ is the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ strategic response to establishing food security for Jamaica. The goal of this smart programme is to reduce the country’s food import bill, assist with the reduction of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mitigate the pressure on the island’s health care systems while bolstering, expanding and elevating the livelihoods of the men and women in the agriculture and fisheries sector by producing wholesome, nutritious and affordable foods in enough quantities to feed Jamaica.