Cereal, yam, and vegetable crops lead the way in agri growth
Green announces more benefits for farmers
Published:Wednesday | May 28, 2025 | 12:12 AM
Domestic crop production set a new quarterly record this year, reaching 221,128.6 tonnes, a 3.8 per cent increase compared with the similar period in 2022, according to Floyd Green, minister of agriculture, fisheries and mining.
In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday, Green said most crop groups recorded growth, with cereals leading at 21.7 per cent, followed by yams at 7.9 per cent, and vegetables at 7.3 per cent.
Turning to the increased use of technology in farming, Green said farmers across the country will benefit from his ministry’s investment of more than $60 million towards the procurement of agricultural drones with spraying, seeding and surveillance capabilities.
He also said the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is taking steps to modernise land preparation and support to farmers across various areas.
RADA will be distributing six high-powered tractors with implements to enhance land preparation in targeted production zones.
The agricultural authority will also be introducing walk-behind tractors equipped with ploughs, planters and harvesters to assist small-acreage farmers and those operating in difficult terrains.
Two onion and potato hybrid harvesters are also being acquired to improve efficiency in root crop production zones.
COLD-STORAGE FACILITY
On the much-talked-about issue of storage containers for farmers, Green said a 350-square-metre cold storage facility was currently being constructed in Content, Kirkvine, Manchester, at a cost of $124 million.
He said the facility will benefit more than 1,500 farmers and producers and is slated for completion in August this year.
The agriculture minister also pledged that by September, this year, another 2,635 cubic metres of cold storage will be available for use by farmers and producers in Colleyville, Manchester.
“We will also continue the implementation of the $165 million Agri-Business Cold Chain Pilot Project at the Ebony Park Agro-Park in Clarendon,” he said.
Further, Green said the Government is constructing one of the largest agricultural storage facilities in Essex Valley, which will span 24,500 square feet and have the capacity to hold 22 containers of food.
He said the prime minister will officially launch this new storage facility in June, this year.
On the vexed issue of praedial larceny, Green said the Jamaica Constabulary Force has now established an Agricultural Protection Branch, headed by an assistant commissioner of police.
The senior cop has been given the mandate to enforce laws and regulations governing agriculture as well as develop strategies to prevent and investigate agricultural-related crimes and safeguard the livelihood of Jamaican farmers.
The Agricultural Protection Branch will be staffed with a senior superintendent, a superintendent in charge of special investigations and intelligence, an agricultural wardens division, and a drones unit, which will provide surveillance support in areas prone to praedial larceny.
Additionally, Green said Cabinet has approved the amendments to the Praedial Larceny Prevention Act. He said the amendments include harsher penalties, enhanced traceability of agricultural produce and expanded deployment of agricultural wardens to protect farmers and deter theft.