Jamaica's banana and plantain sector faces a production shortfall following Hurricane Beryl, which caused havoc early July, with an estimated 74 percent damage, as per the Banana Board's assessment. Janet Conie, General Manager of the Banana Board, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that damage exceeding 50 per cent is deemed catastrophic. The damage, valued at $2.1 billion, encompasses all necessary recovery efforts to resume production, projecting a nine-month hiatus before the reappearance of harvestable bunches.
Conie emphasized the critical role of farmers' actions in the coming months to mitigate the shortage and accelerate recovery. The current stock, derived from pre-hurricane harvests, is expected to last only about a month, forecasting a significant supply gap until recovery. She urged farmers to focus on maintaining 'followers' or the next generation of plants, to expedite yield restoration. Additionally, she stressed the importance of proper drainage maintenance to prevent bacterial rot in banana and plantain plants, which could further jeopardize recovery efforts if not managed promptly post-hurricane.
As the hurricane season persists, Conie's advice underscores the need for diligent farm management to safeguard and revitalize the banana and plantain supply chain in Jamaica.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner