Within the initial three months of 2024, Jamaica's agriculture sector has experienced over 10% growth, as reported by Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green. This growth is attributed to the sector's resilience amidst challenges such as heavy rainfall and ongoing drought conditions. The government is currently evaluating the drought's effect on vegetable crops, with an emphasis on leafy vegetables.
Minister Green highlighted efforts in drought mitigation aimed at minimizing crop loss and supporting farmers in preserving their produce. Additionally, discussions with greenhouse clusters have been initiated to boost production and maintain consistent supply, especially considering the difficulties faced by the Irish potato crop. Improvements in the water trucking system have been implemented to reduce the impact of these adversities. The ministry has adjusted its drought mitigation strategies to commence earlier in the year, responding to shifts in climatic patterns. Furthermore, farmers have enhanced their disaster management approaches to cope with these challenges.
Source: radiojamaicanewsonline.com