Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Masahiro Obata, presents a cheque for US$99,000 to Lenworth Fulton, executive director of the Jamaica 4-H Club, for the construction of a peanut factory in St Elizabeth. Looking on (from left) are Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and Vendyl Kerr, chairman of the 4-H Club. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

THE Japanese government on Thursday donated US$99,000 (approximately J$7million) to the Jamaica 4-H Club for the development of a peanut-processing plant at Warminster in St Elizabeth.

Japan's ambassador to Jamaica, Masahiro Obata, said that one of the major initiatives in the transition of any economy is the development of the small and micro enterprises sector (SMEs).

"I do believe that my country's decision to contribute to forward integration of the agricultural sector in Jamaica is in sync with the Jamaica government's priority; to put emphasis on valued-added products made from primary agricultural produce," Obata said at Thursday's handing over ceremony at the Japanese Embassy on Oxford Road.

"The contribution of SMEs in spurring economic growth is noted in many development literatures," Obata added. "When this contribution is supplemented by training and ownership by the communities, what emerges is considered as the basic ingredient for a successful economy."

Obata said that Japan had some experience with the one village/one product concept, "where the community looks within its own resource pool to develop sustained livelihood".

In the meatime Minister of Agriculture Christopher Tufton said that the Japanese partnership in agriculture goes back nine years with the funding of the 4-H Club's flagship programme - tractor operation and maintenance - which has trained over 500 youngsters.

"These youngsters are presently employed in the Sugar Industry, Bauxite Industry, large and small farms, sea ports, as well as some creating their own employment as tractor service providers," said Tufton.

The agriculture minister said that the initial capital outlay for start-up is J$11 million, the $4 million difference being provided by the 4-H Club.

The $7-million Japanese grant will be used to construct a processing plant and shelling shed and to purchase equipment for the packaging of peanuts.

"People in the community will participate as contract suppliers," Ron Blake, field services manager of the Jamaica 4-H Club, told the Observer after the ceremony.

"Work should begin another two-to-three weeks when ground will be broken and we begin the renovation of an existing building," he disclosed, adding that construction of additional facilities would follow.

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS

Pepper Pot