Hanover custos calls for farmers to utilise available technology
Published:Monday | June 2, 2025 | 12:07 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Custos of Hanover Lennox Anderson-Jackson says challenges in agriculture, such as fluctuation in market conditions, evolving global standards, along with changing environmental conditions, have made the task of modernising and innovation critical for survival in that sector.
Addressing the official opening ceremony of the seventh staging of the Hanover Agricultural Show, being held at the Watson Taylor Park in the parish capital, Lucea, Anderson-Jackson appealed for the Farmers in Hanover to strive to build resilience in their field, through the use of technology.
Turning his attention to the theme of the event, ‘Enhancing Resilience in Agriculture Through Technology’, the custos said that the theme is both timely and visionary.
“This show, and indeed today’s gathering, serves as a powerful reminder that agriculture is not just the backbone of our rural economy, but also the cornerstone of national development,” he stated.
“In Hanover where farming remains a way of life for so many, they (the farmers) need to build resilience through the use of technology,” he emphasised.
He argued that there is also a responsibility on the shoulders of the farmers to adopt improved farming practices and build strong partnerships.
He went on to heap praises on the farmers of Hanover, describing them as a dedicated group whose toiling and commitment fills the markets and nourishes the homes of the residents of the parish with the necessary foodstuff.
“We recognise the extraordinary effort it takes to plant, reap and provide in the face of adversities. Your contribution is not only essential it is noble,” he said to the many farmers in attendance at the event.
The custos made an appeal for the involvement of more young people in the field of agriculture, stating that they should view agriculture not only as their heritage, but also as a productive future occupation.
“So let this (agricultural) show inspire you to explore the many facets of modern agriculture, from agri-technology and climate smart practices to agri-business and food processing,” he argued, adding, “Agriculture is no longer confined to the field, it is expanding into the laboratory, the boardroom, and the global markets.”
Anderson-Jackson described that Hanover Agricultural Show as a signature event in the parish that continues to highlight and celebrate the vital importance of agriculture in Jamaica’s growth and development. He said the show is an indication of strength, partnership and community spirit, describing the event as “a united effort towards sustainable development, food security and economic empowerment”.
Tamika Davis, member of parliament for Hanover Western, who also addressed the opening ceremony of the event, implored the farmers of the parish to move towards adopting technology wherever and whenever possible.
“Farmers are the backbone of our society, unless we have farmers we really cannot feed ourselves,” she said, adding, “technology is taking over. It is not just in our phones and in the way we do business, technology is also in farming.
“We have to embrace technology because all it does is ensure that we have a brighter and more efficient way of doing things, and we cannot leave the farmers out of that.”
She praised the 4-H movement for its national effort at getting the young people of the nation involved in agriculture.
She insisted that there are a lot of benefits involved in agriculture in today’s Jamaica, so young people ought not to shy away from that field anymore.