KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Derrick Kellier, says the time has come for a “new kind of agriculture” that incorporates more youth involvement and the infusion of modern technology.

“Greater level of mechanisation and an increased use of high quality inputs at the appropriate time, based on the physiology of the plant and the composition of the soils (are necessary)…. .A consistent flow of excited well-trained young people (must be) willing to drive the new agriculture,” the minister said.

“We therefore have to structurally reconfigure the entire agricultural architecture, starting with agricultural training at the secondary and tertiary levels and addressing all the binding constraints that militate against a more active and consistent engagement and participation of youth in agriculture,” he added.

The minister was representing Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, at the 75th anniversary gala banquet of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

 He noted that as part of measures to get more young people into agriculture, the Government is placing increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at the secondary school level.

The move will ensure a stream of graduates with the acumen and technological savvy necessary to drive the new agriculture, he said.

He noted further that some $12 million has been invested in the revamping and modernisation of the dairy programme at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) “to sow the seeds of a modern and highly productive dairy sector.”

Minister Kellier commended the Jamaica 4-H Clubs for its commitment to youth development in Jamaica, through its training programmes in agriculture, home economics, entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and healthy lifestyles among others.