.png)
Tomato Farmer Ryan Newell
With the ease in the shortfall of fruits and vegetables which had resulted in higher prices for consumers, tomato farmers in sections of St. Elizabeth are now having to contend with an oversupply of the produce and a dramatic fall in price.
Farmers in Junction and Cheapside say the tomatoes are rotting in fields as few vendors are buying.
One farmer in Delightful community in Cheapside, Ryan Newell, told Radio Jamaica News’ St. Elizabeth correspondent he is facing thousands of dollars in losses.
He has resorted to feeding the tomatoes to pigs.
“Nobody nuh want it…Dis yah cyan pick up to 5000 right now or 6000 pound ah tomato right now…Cyaan even tell yuh what will happen to it enuh ‘cause no market nuh deh for it,” the farmer said.
Mr. Newell appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist with finding storage or markets for the produce.
Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green last week announced that another 35 million dollars has been earmarked for the first quarter of this year to continue the buy-back programme to support farmers across the country.
Mr. Green said the installation of cold storage facilities was still at the discussion stage.
comments powered by Disqus
.jpg)
All feeds
