KINGSTON, Jamaica – Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Winston Simpson, says work is being done to expand the authority’s fleet of tractors this year.

Since July of 2009, RADA reintroduced a basic tractor service at a minimum cost to registered farmers in 12 parishes across the island, with the intention to expand the service.

Simpson said that last year the authority received new tractors through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

“We intend to increase the fleet in the new year, and presently, we have procurement taking place for additional tractors. We intend to boost the service and to make sure that we continue to provide the services that the farmers need,” he said in a recent interview with JIS News.

The authority’s tractor service includes ploughing, harrowing and furrowing/bedding.

Simpson said RADA’s plans to extend the fleet and, in turn, serve more farmers, align with the authority’s continued push to “realign, restructure and rebrand the entity”.

Farmers who are interested in acquiring the service can call or visit their RADA Parish Office and request to speak with personnel in charge of the tractor service.

This is usually the manager, deputy manager, or a senior extension officer. In the case of a regional office, the works engineer is the contact person.

Farmers should also fill out the simple ‘Request for Tractor Service’ application form provided, then visit the accounts department and pay the relevant fees.

As soon as the tractor is available to the farmer’s area, the operator will be assigned to the farmer’s property.

Farmers are required to carry out the basic land clearing to prepare for the arrival of the tractor.

Rates will vary in various instances, depending on key factors such as soil type, terrain and distance to farm.

For details, farmers can contact their local RADA office.

-JIS