THE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is currently conducting an impact assessment of the damage to the sector wrought by Tropical Storm Nicole last night, and the continuous rainfall over the past four days. Since yesterday, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), has activated the National and Parish Disaster Risk Management Committee, and has dispatched parish managers to gather and collate information.

"With the rainfall projected to continue into the weekend, it is difficult at this point in time to quantify losses. However, there are indications there have been significant damage to cash crops including but not limited to lettuce, tomato, yam, and cantaloupe. We anticipate there could be some supply concerns with these crops in the short term based on the devastation," said the ministry in a statement today.

The ministry is urging Jamaica's farmers, particularly those in flood prone areas, to take the necessary precautions in safeguarding life and property, following the death of one farmer, 68-year-old Lenford Blake of St Elizabeth, who was washed away and killed by gushing waters.

Farmers should check their mobile phones for text alerts from RADA’s text messaging system, which provides useful tips on how to secure and store agricultural produce at this time.

Meantime, Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton has been touring farms since yesterday in St Catherine and St Elizabeth to get a firsthand view of the damage caused by the torrential rains.

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