70 Westmoreland farmers receive plant materials, tools
More than 70 small farmers from Westmoreland have received donations of planting material, farming tools and fertiliser valued at $1.5 million through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Agricultural Productivity Incentive Programme (APIP), which was launched in the parish last week.
State minister for agriculture Luther Buchanan said the aim is to boost agricultural production in the parish.
“It is hoped that the farmers will increase production of all crops, especially Irish potato this year. Last year, we did 45 acres of Irish potato and this year the intention is to ramp it up to 55 acres,” he told the audience at the official function held to launch the event at New Works Primary School.
The farmers received Irish potato planting material, as well as tomato, sweet pepper and other vegetable seeds, which they can plant alongside the main crop.
Buchanan, who is also member of parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, informed that assistance will also be provided for livestock farmers, particularly those who rear goats, sheep, and pigs. He said a chicken programme is to come on stream to bolster supply to the local market.
The junior minister pointed out that only farmers who are registered with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) will receive assistance under APIP.
As such, he is encouraging those, who are not registered with RADA to take the necessary steps to do so, noting that the move will also assist in the fight against praedial larceny.
“In order to minimise praedial larceny, we have reinforced the registration programme so that when a man comes to buy from your farm, you are able to write a receipt stating what you sold with your farmer’s ID (identification). So when the police stop him…he is able to say where he purchased the goods and can show a receipt,” he pointed out.
The farmers who received assistance under the programme all expressed appreciation to the agriculture ministry, pointing out that the support has come at the right time.
A number of women and young farmers benefited from the support.
