Consumers Advised to Brace for Food Supply Downturn Due to Recent Flood Rains  

• Consumers have been advised to brace for disruptions in domestic food supplies, especially for vegetables, consequent on the impact of heavy rains from Potential Tropical Cyclone 22. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, indicated this during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (December 5).
• “In the short term, we anticipate disruptions to our food supplies, especially on our vegetable lines. The reality is that our vegetable farmers started the year in drought and would have finished the year in extensive floods,” Mr. Green said. “As such, we do expect that there would be a downturn in supply, which often gives rise to an increase in prices. The aftermath of this disaster has also delayed land preparation and replanting by up to three weeks in the affected areas, exacerbating the challenges faced by our farmers,” he added.
• A total of 410 hectares of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and condiments, were lost. Significant livestock losses included 160,500 broilers, 1,460 layers, 70 pigs, 34 sheep, and 47 goats. There has also been a significant impact on infrastructure, including farm roads, especially in St. Thomas and East Rural St. Andrew. Irrigation systems for farmers in these communities were also impacted.
• “The damage assessment reveals that crop losses were significant, amounting to approximately $173 million, impacting over 2,000 farmers. Livestock losses stand at roughly $26 million, affecting 550 farmers, while infrastructure damage accounts for an estimated $64 million, which [was] predominantly in farm road damage. The total estimated loss by the agriculture sector amounts to $274,096,917,” the Minister stated.
• Green assured, however, that the Government is ready to assist farmers through difficult times. “In total, the Government is providing $157 million to help our farmers recover and recover quickly,” the Minister stated.
• He noted that the Government’s strategic approach involves prioritising the rehabilitation of farm roads to ensure accessibility for farmers and the transportation of produce. Mr. Green pointed out that the substantial allocation for crop recovery aims to support farmers in replanting and revitalising their agricultural activities.

(Source: JIS)