Minister without Portfolio in the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, Hon. JC Hutchinson (3^rd left) engages in discussion with Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Parish Manager for St. Elizabeth, Nathan Samuels (left) during a tour of sections of Flagaman in the parish on August 20.  Others listening in are, Member of Parliament and State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green (2^nd left)  and Mayor of Black River, Councillor Derrick Sangster (right). Last Friday, August 16, fire destroyed several crops and farming equipment.

The Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry is moving swiftly to assist approximately 47 farmers, who were affected by fire in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth last Friday (August 16). Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, said the Ministry will be providing topsoil, grass, seeds, fertilizer and sprays to enable the farmers to regain solid footing.

“I have spoken to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and we are assessing the situation to see what we can do to assist them as soon as possible,” Mr. Hutchinson said. He was speaking on Tuesday (August 20) following a tour of sections of the approximately 200 acres of land that was gutted by fire.

The massive fire, which started Friday morning and spread to several sections of the farming belt destroyed crops such as melon and cantaloupe and farming equipment. Preliminary losses are estimated at $45million. In his remarks, Zonal Director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) Western Region, Glenville Hall, pledged support for the farmers.

Mr. Hall also urged the farmers to exercise caution when lighting fires especially during drought conditions. During the tour, Mr. Hutchinson was joined by Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western and State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, in whose constituency Flagaman is located, a team from the Ministry, RADA and the National Irrigation Commission.

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