Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Dayton Campbell has argued that despite some progress, too many farmers and fisherfolk are still struggling to survive.

Campbell made the argument Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“The Government has presented several figures to show growth and activity in the agriculture sector. I will not deny that work has been done in some areas. I will not deny that some progress has been made. I will not deny the hard work of farmers, fishers, extension officers, 4-H leaders, technical staff, and rural communities,” said Campbell.

“However, the central question is whether the Government’s policies have produced enough practical improvement in the daily lives of the people who depend on these sectors. The answer, in too many cases, is no,” he added.

According to Campbell, too many farmers are still struggling with the high cost of inputs.

“Too many small farmers still lack irrigation. Too many rural roads remain in poor condition, making it difficult to transport produce from farms to markets. Many farmers still face praedial larceny without adequate protection,” he said.

Continuing, Campbell remarked that, “Many young people still cannot access land. Too many farmers still lack affordable financing. Too many fishermen/women are still operating without adequate infrastructure, cold storage, proper beaches, and affordable equipment. Too many consumers are still paying too much for basic food items”.

Campbell told the House that many farming communities still feel that support comes too late, is too small, or is distributed without enough transparency.

“These are not isolated complaints. These are structural weaknesses that continue to hold back the full potential of our country. And unless we confront these realities honestly, rural Jamaicans will continue to feel abandoned by a system that asks much of them while giving too little in return,” said the Opposition spokesman.