KINGSTON, Jamaica – If Jamaica is to not just survive but thrive, the issue of productivity in agriculture against climate change must be taken very seriously, says Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda.

“It is why Jamaica is currently on track to invest some US$270 million in irrigation in the plains of St Elizabeth, some of our most resilient lands, [to safeguard these against] the threats of climate change. It is why we are doing the irrigation plans for Trelawny and St Mary… because we know that productive lands that are sufficiently above sea level, that have access to water, are critical to our nation’s survival and future,” Senator Samuda said.

He was delivering the keynote address during the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) Research Day and Symposium at the institution’s Portland-based campus on Thursday, February 29. The event was held under the theme ‘Empowering the Future and Facing the Task – A CASE for Climate Resilience’.

Samuda said cadastral mapping has been undertaken, noting that “we’ve looked at the lands, which are likely to not just be more productive now but are likely to withstand some sea-level rise, and to ensure that they still maintain their level of productivity”.

He stated that the rate of investment being made in storage and connectivity for local farmers is to reduce wastage and ensure that farmers are getting more out of the land.

The Minister maintained that while the Government has the “resilience plans”, “we do need to ensure that we have these discussions with young people, like yourselves (CASE students), so you understand why investment choices are made”.

Senator Samuda further hailed the College’s students for choosing agriculture and encouraged other young people to seriously contemplate a future in the sector.

-JIS