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Home | Banana and plantain farmers in St. Mary receive vouchers for fertilizers
Chief Technical Director at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Orville Palmer, presents farmer, Althea McFarlane, with a voucher to acquire fertilizer during the Handover Ceremony of Hurricane Beryl Recovery fertilizer to Banana and Plantain Farmers on August 27 at the Bethel United Church in Highgate, St. Mary.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining kickstarted the recovery of the banana and plantain sector with the distribution of vouchers to purchase fertilizers to over 20 banana and plantain farmers in Highgate, St. Mary.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, Chief Technical Director (CTD) at the Ministry, Orville Palmer, said over 2098 banana and plantain farmers across the island are expected to benefit from the support.
“These vouchers will resuscitate approximately 1,051 hectares of banana and plantains. This amounts to approximately $33,000 or three 50kg-bags of fertilizer per hectare. This will serve farmers for roughly four weeks. Again, I say, this Ministry is serious about building back,” he outlined.
Palmer was speaking at the Handover Ceremony of Hurricane Beryl Recovery fertilizer to Banana and Plantain Farmers held at the Bethel United Church in Highgate, St. Mary on August 27.
CTD Palmer explained that the Ministry would have already conducted an assessment of affected farmers and that vouchers are issued based on the level of damage sustained.
“It is important to note that the vouchers will vary based on the damaged crop area. With these vouchers, yes, you our farmers will be able to utilize your preferred legitimate supplier, who will issue invoices that will be paid for by the Banana Board,” he shared.
“Also, in the true spirit of community development, we have also decided to utilize the suppliers located in the banana growing regions to stimulate support for the local economy of our farming communities,” Palmer added.
CTD Palmer also emphasised that though the Ministry will be focused on recovery, its existing major plans, including those to repair farm roads, will not be neglected and will be taking place simultaneously with recovery efforts.
“I know St. Mary farmers will be happy to know that we are still on board to complete the approved farm roads that are on RADA’s database. There are some 50 roads across the parish of St. Mary that are on RADA’s database.” A few that are within proximity to where we are today would include Greenwood, Gibraltar, Decoy, Hamilton Mountain, Egi Pen, Mosquito Hole and the Charlottenburgh roads. Again, these are just a handful. Our vision is to improve St. Mary and continue the recovery effort,” he highlighted.
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