Agriculture Minister Urges Farmers to Follow Advisories Amid Extreme Heat

Farmers across Jamaica are being encouraged to pay close attention to guidance issued by the relevant agencies during spells of extreme heat, so that their animals and crops remain protected.

The appeal came from Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, who was speaking recently at the launch of the Heifer Redistribution Programme at Serge Island Dairies in St. Thomas. He reminded those present that “the heat is on”.

“It’s very, very important that the farmers listen to the advisories that are coming out from entities like the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) about how you care for your animals in this extreme heat,” Mr. Green said.

The Minister stressed that changing climate conditions require a different approach on the farm. “We can’t do business the same way and expect the same returns when we appreciate that the climate has changed. Access to water on your farms is critical,” he added.

Mr. Green noted that his Ministry has already begun rolling out a $140-million drought mitigation programme, under which trucked water is being supplied to livestock as well as to outdoor and field farmers.

“We will continue on that drive… . And we’re going to be working with the Jamaica Dairy Development Board and RADA to see what else we can do under our drought mitigation programme to help our farmers,” he said.

Among the further measures planned is the provision of water storage for livestock farmers, ensuring they keep enough supply on hand to give to their animals. To that end, the Minister said the Ministry intends to hand out water tanks to livestock farmers to ease the strain during the current dry conditions.