... ‘Too much idle lands’
IN OUTLINING his plans going forward, Audley Shaw, the minister of industry, investment, commerce and agriculture, says he intends to address a number of structural issues such as the vast acres of idle government lands that could be used for agricultural production.
“When last have you travelled across Jamaica or flown across the country and behold the idle lands that are within our country?” asked Shaw. “There are far too much idle lands in Jamaica and some of these lands already have irrigation systems that are lying idle as well. On top of that, we also have far too many idle hands. We can do better than that and we have to find ways to inspire our young people that there is a future in agriculture.”
Shaw went on to explain that he has already commissioned his ministry to work with the Agro Investment Corporation, the National Irrigation Commission, SCJ Holdings and Jampro to do an inventory of all available government lands as well as to profile these lands based on their soil capabilities and availability of irrigation.
The agriculture minister said the agencies have also been tasked to identify high-value crops that can be grown on these lands and will ultimately package these lands for investment through leasing to the 220,000 small farmers in the country.
NEED TO CUT IMPORT BILL
“We are too resource-rich to be poor. Our high food import bill, while a challenge, is also an opportunity for import substitution,” noted Shaw. “Can you imagine, we flying down the tourists them in record numbers and most of the food to feed them are flying down on the plane too? Only five per cent of what we produce in agriculture we sell to the tourists that come here to eat. Unacceptable! It can’t work and will not continue under my watch.”
During the day’s activities, Shaw participated in the official opening of the Roger Clarke Exhibition and Conference Centre, which is the latest addition to the Montpelier Showground. The day’s activities also featured the champion farmers’ competition, farm queen competition, horseback riding, farmers’ market, and a stage show.