KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Farmers in East Rural St Andrew were the recent recipients of agricultural materials through the AgriHope programme in their constituency, which is supported by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

Irish potato seeds, strawberry plants, farming tools and four Nubian Boer goats were handed over to the farmers, through the programme, by Member of Parliament (MP) Juliet Holness. The handover ceremony was hosted at RADA’s Old Hope Road office.

Holness, in her remarks, said the distribution, to benefit hundreds of farmers, highlights the focus of the AgriHope initiative to advance agricultural production in the area, through promoting the cultivation of high value crops.

She said with the assistance RADA, the farmers’ production will be monitored to ensure that suitable markets can be arranged in time for harvest, adding that hoteliers have already indicated interest in strawberries produced in the area.

Holness further indicated that the AgriHope programme has been offering training in farming techniques and best practices to farmers in the constituency. Training sessions are held with recipients before items are distributed, she indicated.

The Member of Parliament said adjoining constituencies will be invited to join the training programme.

Principal Director of Field Services, RADA, Winston Simpson, said the agency will continue to support projects and programmes being carried out by Members of Parliament in an effort to improve overall productivity in agriculture.

He said the AgriHope project has set an example to other constituencies and urged MPs to utilise the services of RADA in advancing agricultural production.

“If we can get this type of energy and synergy from all Members of Parliament, I guarantee we will do our part to ensure that production and productivity is increased and as such (agriculture’s) contribution to GDP will improve and we will contribute to the reduction of the import bill,” Simpson said.