Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pearl Charles Jr addresses the Jamaica Pig Farmers’ Association (JPFA) Annual General Meeting at the Bridge Palm Hotel and Resorts at Osbourne Store, Clarendon on September 29.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pearnel Charles Jr reports that damage to the agricultural sector from flooding from Tropical Storm Ian is estimated at more than $200 million.
The Minister, in his announcement, said aid will be provided to affected farmers.
Charles Jr said from a preliminary it is clear that people in the sector have suffered losses, and after the assessments a decision will be made regarding the level of response that will be required.
Speaking to reporters after the Jamaica Pig Farmers’ Association annual general meeting at Osbourne Store, Clarendon on September 29, the Minister said: ‘We haven’t gotten a breakdown so we have to break this down but we are moving quickly to complete these assessments, so that we can come up with something and then figure out how best to support those who have been affected.
He argued that the damage to the agriculture industry is another reminder that investors in the sector need to be resilient to shocks, as many farmers who have implemented “resilient operations” have been spared.
“They were proud to have suffered less damage than expected, but it also means that we are still in a vulnerable sector that requires collaborations, support and protection, because it is such an integral and important sector”, said the minister. .
He added that the government is committed to supporting farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to implement incentive schemes.
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