THE Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has unveiled plans to revolutionise Jamaica’s agriculture sector if it is elected to form the next Government.

While he is not the party’s spokesman on agriculture, Phillip Paulwell used his presentation in the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday to call for urgent measures to rescue what he described as the “struggling agriculture sector”, and outlined the PNP’s proposals for change.

Speaking under the theme ‘Championing Change’, Paulwell — who is the Opposition spokesperson on energy and climate change — covered the areas under his portfolio but focused heavily on agriculture as he argued that all three areas are essential for Jamaica’s sustained economic growth.

Paulwell charged that access to finance remains a critical barrier for Jamaica’s farmers and announced that the PNP is proposing the development of an Agricultural Development Fund to combat that problem.

According to Paulwell, the fund will provide targeted and sustained investments for the sector.

He said the fund will also support infrastructure, research, technology adoption, and disaster risk mitigation with a percentage allocated to the National People’s Co-operative Bank (PC Bank), enabling it to offer loans to farmers.

“This will ensure that our agricultural sector receives the financial backing it so desperately needs,” said Paulwell.

He charged the current financing landscape for the agricultural sector was “a desert” with only $147 million in loans disbursed in 2023.

“That’s not support, that’s pocket change. The PNP will increase budget allocations and promote public-private partnerships in machinery, irrigation, cold storage, and marketing.

“Collaboration with the private sector is essential to drive innovation and efficiency. Unlike the current approach, we don’t believe in all talk, no tractor,” Paulwell said.

Paulwell told the House that to further stimulate growth in the sector the PNP is proposing the creation of an Agricultural Free Zone strictly for export-led production.

“This zone will attract investment in agro-processing, value-added production, and exports. It will offer tax incentives, modern facilities, and streamlined regulatory support — creating an environment where innovation flourishes, jobs are created, and Jamaica becomes a competitive player in global markets.

“This is what you call planting seeds for the future, not just planting headlines for tomorrow’s newspaper,” added Paulwell.

The Opposition spokesman noted that praedial larceny remains a scourge for Jamaica’s farmers and said the PNP proposes that this should be captured under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“If someone is convicted of stealing farm produce, their assets will be liquidated to restore the farm to its previous state. Additionally, we will move the burden of proof, in these cases, from the claimant to the defendant, ensuring that those accused of theft must prove they came by the goods lawfully,” said Paulwell.

He further argued that only 15 per cent of the country’s arable land is irrigated and charged that this is, “A statistic so low, it could only impress someone who confuses progress with press releases”.

Paulwell added: “Our National Irrigation Development Plan (NIDP) must be fully implemented and expanded so farmers can produce year-round, rain or shine. Improving farm roads is equally vital. Right now, some of our farmers need a 4×4 [vehicles], and a boat just to get their produce to market”.

He told the House that the PNP’s proposal also includes a plan for cold storage capacity to be expanded and argued that the country must implement solar-refrigerated containers to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure fresh produce reaches consumers promptly.

“A modern, efficient infrastructure network is the backbone of a resilient agricultural sector,” declared Paulwell.

He told the House that in today’s digital age, technology offers unprecedented opportunities for farmers.

“We will leverage digital platforms to connect farmers directly with buyers, hoteliers, distributors, and retailers, cutting out the middleman, and cutting out the old excuses for extortionate prices.

“We propose implementing an agricultural monitoring system that utilises drones for crop monitoring and fertiliser spraying — technologies that enable precision agriculture. Drones will provide real-time data on crop health, pest outbreaks, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, allowing farmers to apply fertilisers precisely where needed, reduce waste, and increase yields.

“Additionally, we will promote hydroponic farming practices to maximise productivity and resource efficiency,” Paulwell added.

The veteran Member of Parliament, who represents Kingston Eastern and Port Royal, stressed that the agriculture sector is the key component of Jamaica’s economy and charged that it is now at a crossroad.

“Let’s not sugar-coat it — agriculture is more than just a sector; it is the backbone of Jamaica. Supporting over 262,000 farm families and contributing around 9.2 per cent to our GDP [gross domestic product]. It sustains countless livelihoods and provides employment for 20 per cent of our workforce.

“Yet, despite its importance, our sector faces significant challenges that threaten its very future — challenges that the minister [Floyd Green] is either blind to or simply refuses to see,” said Paulwell.