2 months ago
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Jamaica’s agriculture sector has suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa, with losses already estimated to exceed J$20 billion, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said on Thursday.
Green described the storm as delivering a crippling blow to farmers, fishers, and rural communities, many of whom now face extreme risk to their livelihoods. Preliminary reports indicate near-total destruction of key crops, including an estimated 90% loss of banana and plantain, along with significant damage to vegetables, tubers such as yam, and fruit trees.
Livestock has also been affected, with approximately 40% of the layer flock lost, while fisheries have suffered severe impacts, including 25% of the island’s fishing fleet destroyed and 41% of aquaculture farmers reporting damage. Green noted that these figures reflect only initial assessments, as several severely impacted areas remain inaccessible, and full evaluations are expected by next Monday.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has deployed a disaster assessment specialist to support the recovery process and guide the technical response. The Ministry of Agriculture has activated its recovery plan, focusing on stabilizing incomes and restoring production in the worst-affected communities. Immediate actions include salvaging crops with critical inputs like fertilizers, emergency procurement of supplies, and strengthening market linkages to ensure available products reach consumers.
“Many families depend directly on this sector, and their ability to earn has been severely compromised,” Minister Green said, assuring that the government will move urgently to support recovery and help farmers and fishers rebuild.
He added that he will update Parliament next week on the full extent of the damage and present the government’s response program, reaffirming the state’s commitment to restoring the productive base of agriculture and fisheries and supporting affected communities throughout the recovery effort.
English (US) ·