KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Government is expected to spend $1.8 billion over three years to recruit 300 agricultural wardens to tackle the pervasive problem of praedial larceny which is costing farmers in the region of $14 billion annually.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green made the announcement on Tuesday during a statement in the House of Representatives.

He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has commenced the recruitment drive for the first 100 wardens.

“Thus far advertisements were placed for agricultural wardens …on August 18 and 25, 2024. I am pleased to indicate that the first recruitment drive is taking place today, as we speak, October 22, at the Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland, having started at 8:00 this morning,” Green told the House.

“I am advised that already more than 100 persons have applied at the event,” he shared.

Once recruited, the first 100 agricultural wardens will participate in an extensive training programme to include, among other areas, enforcement modules – fundamentals of police duties and procedures; firearm training; defensive tactics and drills; community-based policing; evidence recording; court preparation; target hardening.

Additionally, they will be trained in agriculture modules – livestock classification; agricultural practices and the Ministry’s traceability systems; and legal modules – legislation;, case preparation and mock trial exercises; and motorcycle/motor vehicle driving certification.

The wardens will have the powers of district constables.

“In keeping with the objectives of the Praedial Larceny (Prevention) Act, the Agricultural Wardens Programme is to put more boots on the ground to strengthen the fight against praedial larceny and bring about positive change in the sector,” Green said.

“This crucial initiative is an essential part of our government’s ongoing commitment and efforts to reduce the scourge of praedial larceny on the agricultural sector thereby supporting growth, food security, and rural transformation,” he added.

The minister said the curriculum has been completed and training is scheduled to start in January 2025.

Of the projected $1.8 billion, some $390 million will be expended in the first year of the programme.

According to Green, the programme is projected to result in increased enforcement actions against perpetrators, improving detection, prosecution, and deterrent rates, enhanced surveillance, patrols, and community awareness and reducing economic losses sustained by farmers because of praedial larceny.

“This will further result in increased agricultural productivity and profitability in the sector, ensuring food security and economic stability,” he said.