According to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr., sustaining increased banana and plantain production is critical to the ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ initiative. “From the perspective of the Banana Board and the Ministry, for us ‘Grow Smart’ means continuing the robust research and development in terms of the multiplication and distribution of resistant varieties of bananas, techniques in tissue culture, to ensure we are building up the best varieties for our climate in Jamaica and our environment in Jamaica,” Pearnel Charles Jr. said.
He also pointed to opportunities within the sector for value added products. “There are massive opportunities for us in terms of processing for plantain chips. Banana chips and several other products can be created by extending the range of our value-added products that can bring more income and revenue into the pockets of our farmers, processors and generally the sector and our country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister said farmers are at the heart of the ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ campaign. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will observe banana day on April 19.
Source: jis.gov.jm