Jamaican farmers urged to contact RADA for drought assistance

Agri Minister Pearnel Charles Jr is urging farmers to reach out to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) for assistance if they have been affected by the drought.

Jamaica is currently experiencing a meteorological drought with persistently low levels of rainfall. This has resulted in the browning of hillsides and multiple bushfires across the island.

The ministry was previously given J$90 million for drought response, with another J$110 million earmarked for additional drought mitigation measures.

While speaking at a press conference yesterday (March 8) he noted that the ministry has implemented several methods to assist farmers.

“Reach out to our RADA extension officers. Let them know your situation. We may not be able to help everyone immediately but we certainly will be able to help you if you give us the information and we know where you are.

An approximate J$36.9 million will be disbursed immediately to RADA for access by the members of parliament to quickly impact support for production in drought-affected constituencies, said Charles Jr.