AGRICULTURE POISED FOR GROWTH THIS YEAR

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda (left), emphasizes a point to Minister without Portfolio, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson (right), during the Ministry’s field day exercise for farmers in Colbeck, St. Catherine, on Tuesday, April 12. Also listening, from 2nd left, are: the Ministry’s Director General, Don McGlashan; and President of the Colbeck Water Users Association, Emile Spence. (JIS Photo)

The agricultural sector is expected to realize significant growth this year, with a recovery from the harsh drought conditions of the past year.
Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, says
unless there is a repeat of similar conditions, the onset of hurricane or other prohibitive actors, “we are going to see real economic growth in this country (being spurred by agriculture).”
The Agriculture Minister was addressing onion farmers during a field day exercise organised by the Ministry in Colbeck, St. Catherine, on Tuesday, April 12.
Mr. Samuda said he was “encouraged” by the current “surge of interest” in agriculture, citing brewing giant, Red Stripe’s Project Grow Initiative, as an example.
The undertaking entails the firm’s cultivation and use of cassava as part of the ingredients to manufacture the globally renowned Red Stripe beer.
In highlighting cassava’s “enormous potential,” the Minister said Red Stripe’s venture would provide business opportunities and guaranteed earnings for farmers.
Mr. Samuda said Government has committed approximately 3,500 acres of land to Red Stripe for cassava cultivation, most of which will be contracted to farmers for growing and supplying the crop to the brewing company.
Mr. Samuda described the heightened focus on cassava as an opportunity to utilise lands that are no longer considered ideal for growing traditional crops.
It is anticipated that by 2020 cassava and other locally grown crops will comprise at least 40 per cent of the ingredients used by Red Stripe to manufacture beer.

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Source: JIS

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