KINGSTON, Jamaica— Up to 5,000 farmers, particularly those new to the profession, are set to benefit from a $63 million Government incentive programme that will see up to one acre of farmland prepared free of cost.

In making the announcement in Parliament last week, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said it formed part of the government’s “continued strategic efforts to improve and strengthen mechanisation in agriculture and increase production and productivity within the sector”. He said $20 million of the amount has been allocated to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), through his ministry.

“We call on all members to urge farmers in your constituency to immediately contact the RADA offices to utilise this facility under our Grow Smart, Eat Smart production programme,” said Charles.

“Additionally, as we seek to promote the use of diverse technologies in agriculture, the Ministry will be conducting a spray trial pilot in the New Pen and Yallahs extension areas using drones this season. Through this we expect to use less and get more through greater efficiency in crop spraying,” he continued.

The minister said the government was committed to strengthening agriculture by providing the necessary equipment and resources for small farmers to succeed.

“In that regard, we have acquired one amphibious excavator, four pickup trucks, two refrigerated trucks, two drones and two backhoes that have been handed over to NIC (National Irrigation Commission) and RADA respectively,” he disclosed.

“Further, there are six tractors scheduled for delivery in October to increase our ability to support our improved land preparation operations. These inputs are intended to play an integral role in assisting our farmers with the clearing and preparing of farmlands to increase productivity and production yields. RADA has been tasked with managing and operating these inputs and streamlining maintenance services to improve efficiencies and quality of service to our farmers,” Charles Jr added.

He said the Grow Smart, Eat Smart National Campaign has “propelled a wave of change pushing us to think and act smarter and engage in a deliberate approach to reduce waste, increase production and improve efficiencies towards food security”.