Jamaica's Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has announced that the country will need to source fruits and vegetables from external suppliers in the coming months to offset production shortfalls following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking in Parliament, Green said the agriculture sector has suffered losses estimated at J$29.5 billion (about US$191 million). Approximately 41,390 hectares of farmland have been affected, impacting more than 70,000 farmers.
Green stated that domestic crops suffered widespread damage, with 32,400 hectares of vegetable lines destroyed, resulting in estimated losses of J$8.8 billion (US$57 million) and affecting 47,500 farmers. The most affected crops include sweet pepper, tomato, lettuce, cabbage, and carrot, while vine crops such as melon and cantaloupe were also heavily impacted.
Banana and plantain production, covering 2,450 hectares, sustained losses valued at J$2.9 billion (US$18.8 million), affecting 2,760 farmers. Fruit trees, covering 1,870 hectares, recorded damages estimated at J$337 million (US$2.2 million) and impacted 4,500 farmers.
Tuber crops such as yams and cassava, cultivated across 4,670 hectares, experienced losses estimated at J$4.5 billion (US$29.2 million), affecting 6,120 farmers. Coffee production recorded 40 per cent tree damage and a 40 to 45 per cent reduction in yield, valued at J$800 million (US$5.2 million).
The minister said that, to stabilise supply and maintain household food security, the agriculture ministry will turn to external sources for selected fruits and vegetables, including tomato, lettuce, cabbage, sweet pepper, carrot, and papaya. He added that imports will be guided by dietary importance, stock levels, and anticipated shortfalls over the next two months.
Source: The Gleaner
