Trelawny farmers to experience increased resilience to climate change – says Agriculture State Minister

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Franklin Witter, says that farmers in Trelawny should anticipate increased resilience to climate change.

Witter said that the ministry is currently undertaking several initiatives to tackle climate change, noting that combating climate change is a key component in preserving Jamaica’s food security which remains a priority for the ministry.

Among the initiatives mentioned by Witter are a well that was recently put into service by the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) in Clark’s Town as well as the Hill to Ocean Project, a climate adaptation project funded with a grant from the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) of EUR 4.9 million (approximately J$859.5 million), and a contribution from the Government of Jamaica of EUR 1.1 million (approximately $192.95 million).

Speaking at the 66th staging of the annual Hague Agricultural and Livestock Show held in Hague, Trelawny, on Ash Wednesday, February 22, the state minister said that the Hill to Ocean Project would greatly benefit several parishes in Jamaica, including Trelawny.

“From this project, areas such as Lowe River, Albert Town, Warsop, Jackson Town and Falmouth can expect increased resilience to climate change through water harvesting, agroforestry, and bioengineering structures that are geared towards preventing soil erosion and land degradation,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, Witter commended the farmers in Trelawny for performing considerably well despite the world experiencing one of its most challenging periods.

He expressed that the ministry will continue providing the support required for them to do well efficiently.

“Under our Production Incentive Programme (PIP), to date, we have assisted 318 farmers in the parish with the establishment of three crops covering 51.5 hectares of land. Hot pepper: 3.5 hectares established, benefiting eight farmers. Onion: 5 hectares established, benefiting 10 farmers and Irish potato: 43 hectares established, benefitting more than 300 farmers,” the agriculture state minister outlined.

He added that support will also be provided to farmers for the establishment of over 2 hectares of sweet yam, ginger and strawberry.

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