ST JAMES, Jamaica – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining says it remains steadfast in its commitment to improve farm roads in St James that are crucial to the efficient transportation of agricultural produce.

Addressing the 41st staging of the Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show, held at the Montpelier Show Ground on April 1, Portfolio Minister Floyd Green said that for the 2024/25 financial year, the Ministry aims to rehabilitate eight farm roads in the parish.

He noted that these selected farm roads will add to the already 14 which had been completed in St James over the last two and half years.

“These farm roads are in places like John Common, Catadupa, Richmond Hill and more. In fact, the last time I was in South St James, I was able to tour the Zambia Farm Road, which was in progress, and now I hear that it has been completed,” Green said.

He highlighted the impact that the improved infrastructure would have on productivity and market access in the area.

“It doesn’t make sense you have some of the best produce and you cannot get them to the market space,” the Minister said.

He acknowledged that while significant work has been done on the farm road network across Jamaica, more needs to be done.

In the fiscal year 2023/2024, the Ministry secured $810 million for the Farm Road Programme, enabling work to begin on 69 roads nationwide.

“We’re focusing our attention on this infrastructure development,” Minister Green said, underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing the agricultural sector’s efficiency and competitiveness.

This year’s Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show was held under the theme ‘Grow What We Eat, Eat What We Grow’.

The event, organised by the St James Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, featured a variety of agricultural products and displays, including livestock, hydroponic farming systems, a Farm Queen Competition, a marching band and more.

– JIS