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Home | Rebuilding the dairy industry a key priority for Ministry, says Witter
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Franklin Witter (right) discusses dairy products with Everton Parks (centre), Farming Systems Specialist, Jamaica Dairy Development Board and Trudy Wilson, Co-owner, Cabra Ranch, at the St Mary Agri-Expo on Monday, April 18, 2022.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Franklin Witter, says the Ministry will be prioritizing the rebuilding of the dairy industry. This is in tandem with the move to boost production levels and food security through the provision of support for the growth of farmers.
“Among our priorities is the rebuilding of the dairy industry for increased milk production and other value-added products,” said Witter.
He was speaking at the St Mary, Agri-Expo held on Monday, April 18.
The development of improved pastures as well as support for the creation of value-added products linked to small ruminants were among key areas of focus identified.
“Last year, through the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), we established over 50 acres of improved pastures and fodder banks in the parish valued at $2.5 million,” said Witter.
“For this new financial year, we will be developing a dairy goat farming cluster of some 15 farmers around the Cobra Ranch Dairy Goat Farm. These farmers will be able to sell their milk to this farm for processing,” he added.
To further support this initiative, the JDDB will also be providing training for goat farmers in the development of new value chain products such as yoghurt, cheese, and flavoured milk.
The Minister also mentioned the negative impact of the increased costs livestock farmers have been experiencing for input materials such as feed and advised that consideration be given to the utilization of alternative feed sources from plants.
“We encourage farmers to reduce your feed costs by utilizing plants such as mulberry and lucenia, which are high in protein, as feed. We have established a demonstration plot at the RADA Parish Office with mulberry, moringa and trichanthera plants and these will be made available to our farmers,” said Witter.
The St Mary-Agri Expo is one of the key agricultural shows held within the parish and is dedicated to highlighting key areas in agriculture including the livestock sector. The show resumed after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
