MINISTER of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr has loaded farmers for contributing to a sixth-consecutive quarter of growth in agricultural output.

“Our agriculture sector has been achieving unprecedented numbers since the start of the year, with the third quarter reflecting one of the best-performing quarters on record. This progress has continued, and I am proud to report that we have seen a 17.4 per cent increase in production, representing six consecutive quarters of growth,” Charles Jr stated.

Additionally, he pointed out that heavy rains in September, associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Ian, did not affect the overall output for the quarter since harvesting for the period was already completed. When compared to 182,750 reaped in the third quarter of 2021, gross output for the subsector for the period under review was 214,599.2 tonnes.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MOAF), the domestic crop subsector responded well to the increased investment and targeted interventions in productivity and marketing, resulting in increased output across all major crop groups for the third quarter of 2022.

The most significant increases were observed for plantains at 21.9 per cent, fruits at 20.8 per cent, yams at 19.1 per cent, vegetables at 18.5 per cent, and condiments at 16.9 per cent. In terms of absolute volumes, the most significant increases were seen for vegetables (11,522 tonnes), yams (8,166 tonnes), and fruits (4,449 tonnes).

“Much of the expansion in these crop groups were facilitated by targeted interventions under the Production and Productivity Programme. The increases seen in this quarter represent continued recovery and expansion within the sector, facilitated in large part by the interventions of the ministry through this programme,” the ministry explained.

As part of the Production and Productivity Programme, farmers receive relief in the form of chemicals, fertilisers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs which have contributed to recovery of the sector across parishes. The ministry also highlighted the resilience of farmers, despite challenges, as a key component that stimulated rebound in the sector.

In this regard, Charles Jr encouraged “farmers and fisherfolk to continue their present trajectory and be reassured that the MOAF remains committed to our ongoing tireless efforts to support the sector so we can strengthen our food security drive as we continue to ‘Grow Smart and Eat Smart’.”

“Also, I want to urge our Jamaican people to ‘Eat Smart’, eat more Jamaican produce and continue their support of our farmers and fishers to ensure we are successful in achieving food security for Jamaica,” he emphasised.

Grow Smart, Eat Smart is the MOAF’s strategic response to create food security for Jamaica. The goal of this programme is to reduce the country’s food import bill, assist with the reduction of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mitigate the pressure on the health-care system while bolstering, expanding and elevating the livelihoods of the men and women in the agriculture and fisheries sector by producing wholesome, nutritious and affordable foods in enough quantities to feed Jamaica.