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Home | Charles Jr calls for greater use of research, science and technology to boost sugar cane production
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr, speaking at the launch of Dr. Donovan Stanberry’s book, former permanent secretary in the ministry, titled ‘Trade Liberalization Affects a Sugar-Dependent Community in Jamaica: Global Action; Local Impact’ on March 16, 2022 at the UWI Mona in St. Andrew. In background from left are Dr. Stanberry and Professor Dale Webber, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies, Mona.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr, is calling on sugar cane farmers to make better use of research, science and technology to increase their production and productivity.
Stating that there has been a steady decline in the amount of canes harvested and crushed since 2019, Charles Jr said that unstable production, low quality and loss of revenue due to inefficiency were some of the factors contributing to the decline.
Some 499,043 tonnes of sugar cane were harvested and crushed in 2021 compared to 736,515 tonnes in 2019. In addition, there has also been a decline in sugar sales for 2021 in both the local and export markets, moving from 42,612 tonnes in 2020 to 31,053 tonnes.
“I am challenging the Sugar Industry Authority to use its expertise to guide farmers on the varieties that are most suited for cultivation and which will lead to the best yields,” said Charles Jr.
He was speaking at the launch of Dr. Donovan Stanberry’s book ‘How Trade Liberalization Affects a Sugar-Dependent Community in Jamaica: Global Action; Local Impact’ on March 16 at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
“We want our farmers to use the best technologies available and engage in the best agronomic practices that will bring increased yields per hectare. It is only then that our farmers will make the desired return on their investments,” said Charles Jr.
Noting that the sugar cane industry still has an important role to play in the nation’s business, Charles Jr said the Government is actively working to ensure the country can produce enough sugar to cover local demand for brown sugar as well as export to the region.
The Agriculture Minister commended Dr. Stanberry, former permananet secretary in the Ministry, for the publication of his book, which, he said, gives a unique perspective into the many challenges that have impacted many sugar cane-growing communities across Jamaica, including the Monymusk area.
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