Agriculture preliminary estimates

The ODPEM said preliminary estimates indicate that the damage to the agriculture sector is $1.7 billion.



It said damage was sustained mainly to banana and plantain.



The ODPEM said initial estimates suggest that banana cultivation in Portland suffered 90 percent damage, St. Mary 70 percent and St. Thomas 80 percent.



Yesterday agriculture minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton said that he did not think supplies to the local market would be immediately affected.



He feared that the export market would be significantly impacted.