Government Rolls Out Multi-Track Plan to Ease Fertiliser Cost Pressure on Farmers

Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, says the Ministry is using several linked measures to help farmers as fertiliser prices climb, driven in part by the conflict in the Middle East.

He addressed the issue while fielding questions at a Post Sectoral Engagement held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday, 14 May. Green said swings on world markets have raised the cost of fertiliser inputs, which has fed through to higher prices for the finished product.

He stressed, however, that local farmers have not absorbed the full scale of the international price rise.

"We've seen increases in nitrogen prices, we've seen increases in potassium prices, and that makes an impact. So, while we have access, there has been increased prices. And we have seen some of that being passed on to our farmers. In fact, we would have met with our major fertiliser supplier, and they have cauterised that as much as possible," Minister Green said.

At the same time, the Ministry is working with local suppliers to create new fertiliser mixes aimed at keeping costs steadier for growers. Green said many existing blends do not fit every crop; the new, crop-focused mixes would give plants only the nutrients they need, cutting waste and raising efficiency.

"So, what you are hearing more and more is that our fertiliser companies are working with us to develop a yam fertiliser, a banana fertiliser… . So, you are getting specifically the nutrients that that crop needs and not nutrients that you would be wasting. So, you end up now maximising your spend," he said.

Green also noted that the Government of Morocco will keep backing Jamaica with fertiliser donations, as it has before, including after Hurricane Melissa.