Today we continue our publication of excerpts from the manifestos produced by Jamaica’s political parties.

The manifesto for the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party was launched last month, while that for the ruling People’s National Party was presented on September 16.

The United People’s Party and the New Jamaica Alliance are yet to launch their manifestos, but excerpts will be used from these documents as soon as they are available.

PNP promises expansion, new thinking in agriculture

AGRICULTURE is vital for rural development and holds the key to employment stability and new business creation.

The PNP has devoted much time and effort to the continued development of the sector.

In the next term, we plan to spearhead a major thrust to increase production and employment through an agricultural revolution spurred by:

* Greater application of science and technology to agriculture in the process of building a bio-industry to harness and commercialise diverse and high quality natural resources.

* Rationalisation of agriculture research institutions.

* Major expansion of non-traditional agricultural production for export.

* Overhaul of commodity boards and modernisation of marketing systems.

* Major thrust in organic farming to tap into multi-billion dollar export market.

*New irrigation systems for Pedro Plains, Goshen, New Forest/Duff House in Manchester/St Elizabeth, Colbeck in St Catherine, Gayle/Pembroke Hall in St Mary, Sevens River in St James, as well as rehabilitation of the Hounslow system. Financing will be provided from the Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank. Together, these initiatives will represent the single greatest expansion of public irrigation in decades.

* A new breakthrough will be characterised by the involvement of more youth in agriculture, facilitated by major new incentives to make land available to young people and create a window for venture capital.

* Commercial production and marketing of marine and fresh water shrimp, starting with a new 680-hectare farm and processing plant at Exeter, Monymusk in Clarendon.

* New development in fresh water Tilapia fish production of Longville Farm, Clarendon.

* Increased investment in areas such as extracted essential oils, dehydrated fruits, flavours and essences, local soup mixes; expansion of fruit tree crop programme to meet the market for tropical fruits and drinks.

* Development of natural health products (nutraceuticals). Discussions are now well advanced with private sector interests to develop a vibrant industry including research, production and marketing.

* Marketing of tissue culture plants such as yams, ginger and potatoes to improve yields and reduce the cost of planting materials.

* Production of genetically improved pepper, tomato and papaya crops.

Additionally, we will:

* Intensify the application of advanced technology in the sugar industry and provide major capital injections and incentives as part of its restructuring and modernisation. The centre pivot irrigation system already in place at Monymusk and Bernard Lodge will be replicated throughout the industry.

* Complete work that has already been started with the dairy farmers to acquire a new milk processing facility.

* Boost the beef cattle industry. Land has already been identified for the construction of a state-of-the art processing plant.

JLP wants traditional crops more competitive

THE JLP will work to make traditional agricultural crops, such as sugar and bananas, more competitive and actively seek to diversify into higher value-added and niche market areas to benefit from comparative advantages.

Critical issues to be addressed:

* Improve yields in domestic and export agriculture, to compete better and increase earnings.

* Rescue export crops (eg sugar, coffee, cocoa and bananas) and the livestock sectors.

* Introduce new production technologies and crops to boost earning power and provide a range of new crops capable of picking up the slack where existing production declines.

* Develop new and better irrigation, particularly for Pedro Plains, Clarendon, and St Catherine.

Agriculture support plan:

* Establish a “new lock” agricultural task force to identify international best practices in reducing production costs, improving yields and in identifying both international and local sources of low cost financing for farmers, particularly small farmers.

* Work with the Development Bank of Jamaica and the PC Bank networks to create LIFE – a Low Interest Farm Expansion programme for small farmers.

* Introduce new crops and technology to put idle hands to work and employ idle hands.

* Implement a major national irrigation programme of all idle lands (50,000 acres) to put idle hands to work (cost – US$106 million) and increase agricultural production substantially.

* Start a major programme to use advanced technology (eg centre pivot irrigation) which can rescue the sugar industry.

* Encourage bio-technology research and extraction to develop pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, essences, and flavourings using Jamaican plants, particularly indigenous botanical species, as well as genetically develop internationally marketable varieties of local flowers and fruits.

* Attract high technology agriculture, such as soil-less hydroponics cultivation for vegetables, fruits and flowers for the domestic and export markets.

* Promote investment in profitable non-traditional crops such as cotton, lucaena, and mariculture (shrimps, scallops, abalone), aquaculture (freshwater fish), and horticulture (eg heliconias, gingers).

* Require milk solid imports through the Milk Board to provide production incentives for liquid milk producers to double output as occurred in the 1980s.

* Provide small farmers with a fair chance to market their produce by improving and upgrading 15 markets in rural areas.

* Actively use safeguard legislation to protect farmers while restructuring their production methods to improve yields.

* Vigorously enforce existing praedial larceny laws (eg requiring proof of purchase for agricultural produce and livestock) especially in rural areas.

* Support a market intelligence system to facilitate purchase of produce by hotels and to give information to farmers on future hotel requirements as well as to introduce new crops desired by hotels and cruise ships.