Revive our agricultural sector

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I come from a family of sugar cane and banana farmers in St James, Cornwall (Hewan-Lowe). For three generations, they have faced numerous challenges in the agricultural sector, with my uncle leaving the industry with regret that took them to their graves.

Historically, Jamaica’s economy thrived on a sustainable agricultural model emphasising self-reliance. However, over the past few decades, this model has shifted towards financial dependence on trade, with minimal industrial development.

This transition has led to the decline of large-scale farming, leaving Jamaica unable to meet its basic food needs and increasingly reliant on imported products. Trade partnerships, such as CARICOM, have further entrenched this dependence, undermining the local agricultural sector and exacerbating economic vulnerabilities.

While tourism generates significant revenue, it also creates a risky dependency, especially during global economic downturns or travel restrictions.

To address these challenges, there is an urgent need to revitalise Jamaica’s agricultural sector. This involves increasing production to meet local food demands and developing value-added agricultural products to contribute more substantially to the national economy.

By focusing on revitalising agriculture, Jamaica can work towards a more balanced, competitive, and resilient economic future.

HUGH PATRICK BROWN