Jamaica’s multi-billion dollar sugar industry is now under major threat due to the effects of the worsening dry spell.
The Sugar Industry Authority, SIA, says the next Crop could be in jeopardy with the forecast of below average rainfall for the rest of the year. According to Chairman of the SIA, Ambassador Derrick Heaven, the scorching dry spell has coincided with replanting for the Crop and there will be serious implications.
Ambassador Heaven says the situation is cause for alarm.
And the Government will be implementing a $30m drought mitigation project for farmers across the island next week. That’s the word from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry.
The project will involve the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the Jamaica Agricultural Society, farmers and political representatives. Mr. Stanberry says the Government is also investing in rainwater harvesting systems, and looking to build micro dams through its climate change programme.
View the original article here
Sugar Industry under threat as Government implements $30m drought plan
