KINGSTON, Jamaica — The local bamboo and castor oil industries are to be included in the Agriculture Push-Start (APS) programme, as part of plans to capitalise on the value chain of these crops.

Castor oil is to be added to the programme by the end of the year and bamboo is to be included at a later date.

This was announced by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, JC Hutchinson, during his address at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Agricultural Development Stakeholders Forum in St Thomas on Tuesday.

Hutchinson disclosed that the planting of the castor bean will begin in earnest by the end of the year, as Jamaica seeks to tap into the multibillion-dollar industry.

The product is used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; in cosmetic applications; and in the manufacture of high-grade lubricants and biodiesel fuel.

The minister further informed that interest has already been expressed by an international investor in establishing a bamboo-processing facility on the island.

Pointing to the variety of bamboo-derived products, Hutchinson said the Government is taking steps to develop the industry, noting that a committee has been formed with the purpose of examining the tenets of establishing the sector.

The committee will collaborate with stakeholders to enable the establishment of the bamboo industry by next year, he informed.

The APS Programme was launched in 2017, with the aim of increasing the production of Irish potato, onions and Scotch bonnet peppers. It is also geared at giving a start to persons who want to pursue agriculture as a business.