KINGSTON, Jamaica–With the island experiencing lower than average rainfall since December last year and with the effects already being felt by farmers, the Government is responding with a raft of measures including a $30 million water trucking programme as part of a $134 million allocation to tackle the problem.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green spoke to the issue and the Government’s response on Tuesday, during a statement in the House of Representatives.

While emphasising that no parish has to date experienced a meteorological drought, Green said it was important to recognise that seven of 13 parishes recorded below-average rainfall, ranging from 53 per cent to 85 per cent of their 30-year climatological mean.

“This shortfall in precipitation has resulted in challenging conditions for our agricultural sector, particularly in areas that have recorded consistently low rainfall. The impact of this deficit is particularly concerning for farmers who rely on regular and sufficient rainfall to sustain their crops and livestock,” said Green.

He noted that even in cases where some parishes experienced wetter-than-normal conditions, disparities in rainfall distribution have led to inconsistencies in water availability. He said farmers in parishes such as Portland, St Mary and Kingston and St Andrew, where increased wetness was recorded, may not immediately feel the strain.

“However, in most of our western parishes, including Westmoreland, St Elizabeth and Hanover and the central parishes of Manchester and Clarendon, they saw rainfall levels below December 2023 and below their 30-year average. Unfortunately, these are some of our most productive parishes,” Green highlighted.

In recognition of the urgency of the situation and the potential impact of drier months ahead, particularly in February, March and July, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has begun taking the necessary steps to alleviate the effects of the dry period and to brace for the months to come.

“We are rolling out an immediate and strategic response to safeguard livelihoods and food production because our farmers cannot afford to wait. First on the frontlines is water trucking, to aid in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon. The ministry has committed $30 million to this effort,” Green stated.

To accelerate delivery, private contractors will also be engaged to ensure that each farmer benefits.

Green said the National Irrigation Commission is also fast-tracking the procurement of water tanks and drip irrigation hoses, ensuring that those who need them most receive support.

For those already preparing water catchment areas, pond liners will be provided, prioritising larger production zones and farming clusters. To further combat the dry conditions, Agro-Invest Corporation will distribute grass mulch to help retain soil moisture and protect crops.

“This comprehensive response is backed by a $134 million budget, strategically allocated to provide real, tangible relief,” said Green.

The minister said support is being provided by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and Food for the Poor, who are stepping up with vital contributions, pond liners and water pumps, to further strengthen the response.

Food for the Poor has committed to providing 100 small water pumps, which will be distributed to farmers in the targeted production areas.