Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green
Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister Floyd Green says the 17 per cent decline in agricultural output during the first quarter and the 17.6 per cent fall for the first six months of the year were largely due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa and prolonged drought conditions.
Minister Green, speaking Monday on Radio Jamaica's Real Business, said agricultural production had reached record levels during the first two quarters of last year before being severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.
He says the ongoing drought is now slowing the sector's recovery, which he expects to resume in earnest during the third quarter of this year.
The minister revealed that the Government has invested $200 million to truck water to farmers in several sections of the country, as it seeks to cushion the impact of the water shortage on agricultural production.
He also disclosed that the Essex Valley Irrigation Project is expected to become operational by the end of this year.
The project will provide much-needed water to farmers in St Elizabeth and other key agricultural communities, he said.
The investments are also aimed at making Jamaica's agricultural sector better prepared to withstand future droughts, according to the minister.
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