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Home | Agriculture State Minister commends St. Elizabeth farmers for their performance in third quarter
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Franklin Witter, speaking at the Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP) community consultation held at the Comma Pen Church of God in St. Elizabeth on November 24, 2022.
State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Franklin Witter, has commended St. Elizabeth farmers for their 17.7 per cent contribution to Jamaica’s domestic crop production during the third quarter of 2022.
“For the third quarter of this year, St. Elizabeth produced approximately 38,000 tonnes of produce, a 13 per cent increase compared to last year's 33, 643.59 tonnes,” said Mr. Witter.
He was speaking at the Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project (EVADP) Community Consultation in Comma Pen, St. Elizabeth, on November 24, 2022.
Minister Witter commended the farmers of St. Elizabeth for their hard work and resilience despite the challenges they are experiencing, especially as it relates to irrigation.
He explained that the parish's performance speaks to its vast potential regarding agricultural output. He added that the Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project is crucial in further enabling the parish to improve its productive capabilities.
“Without the appropriate infrastructure and systems, the quality of agricultural produce will decline, affecting food security. This is why the EVADP is such a crucial project, as it provides a holistic solution to the water-related challenges that impact agricultural output and quality and threaten food security,” Witter stated.
The EVADP, which is funded by a £35,515-million grant from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund and managed by the Caribbean Development Bank, will supply more than 700 farmers who operate on some 810 hectares of agricultural land with improved irrigation systems and other critical resources and services necessary for agricultural output.
“Supplementing the enhanced irrigation system are the development of several facilities responsible for activities such as food safety and sanitation, in addition to infrastructure that will provide renewable energy and consultancy services that will render assistance to farmers,” Witter noted.
He explained that the EVADP project would be instrumental in positioning farmers to access markets outside Jamaica as it will strengthen their production capabilities.
State Minister Witter, explained that the parish of St. Elizabeth, particularly an area such as Essex Valley, is plagued by long drought seasons and irregular rainfall. These harsh weather conditions, he said, impact the ability of farmers in the parish to operate their farms effectively.
Noting that the project is moving steadily towards completion, Witter said the EVADP will provide farmers in Essex Valley with an inclusive and equitable solution to climate and weather-related challenges.
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