MINISTER of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green says Trelawny’s status as being among the highest producers of domestic crops and the number one producer of yam makes the parish a top priority for the Government.

He said that the ministry has been working to increase access to irrigation in the parish while also improving the condition of farm roads.

Six roads were targeted for rehabilitation in the 2023/2024 budget. They are Hague, Sherwood to Coxbeat, Coltis Pen (Sawyers), Smithrun, Allside (Centre Road) and Carterwood.

“This improvement will allow our Trelawny farmers to better transport their goods to market as well as to enhance their quality of life and, by extension, their quality and quantity of production,” the minister noted.

Minister Green was speaking at the recent handover of letters of possession for lands on Old Hampden in Wakefield, Trelawny.

He congratulated the beneficiaries, who have been occupying the former sugar cane lands for several years.

“This is as much for you as it is for your forefathers who significantly contributed not only to the economy but also to the social fabric of our communities. May this be the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, growth, and prosperity. Together, let us cultivate a brighter future for Jamaican agriculture, rooted in equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” Green said.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the documents they received to give back to the community and country through agriculture.

He noted that the Hampden lands were historically used for production and so “let us ensure that this does not die”.