The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has launched a $100-million recovery initiative to restore banana and plantain production following widespread crop destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.
According to officials, the programme will support roughly 5,000 farmers and target the rehabilitation of more than 2,500 hectares of farmland affected by the storm. The effort will be executed through the Banana Board in partnership with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Portfolio Minister Floyd Green said assistance will be distributed based on verified field assessments and farm size to ensure fair and effective allocation of resources. Farmers will receive fertiliser and other inputs aimed at speeding up the restoration of production. He noted that a similar post-hurricane support model used after Hurricane Beryl delivered strong results.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Ministry’s head office located at Hope Gardens in St Andrew.
Officials estimate that damaged banana and plantain fields would normally take between six and eight months to return to full production. However, the Ministry expects that the structured recovery programme will help shorten that timeline.
Minister Green reported that some farmers began rehabilitation work shortly after the hurricane, supported in part by a catastrophe fund administered by the Banana Board. Payments have already been issued from the fund to help cover nutritional and recovery requirements for affected farms.
He commended growers who moved quickly to stabilize fields and restart cultivation activities after the storm’s passage.
The Ministry also confirmed that banana and plantain imports will not be permitted during the recovery period due to biosecurity concerns. Authorities stressed that maintaining strict controls is essential to prevent the introduction of crop diseases that have affected banana industries in other countries.
Advertise with McKoy’s News!
🚀 Boost Your Business with McKoy’s News! 🚀
Let us help you grow your brand with our comprehensive advertising solutions:
Create Your Own Business Page:
Showcase your business with a personalized page on McKoy’s News. Highlight your products or services with multiple photos, contact information, and detailed descriptions.
Engaging Banner Ads:
Capture attention with visually stunning banner ads that promote your brand across our website, reaching a large audience with every click.
Dynamic Video Ads:
Tell your story with impactful video advertisements, designed to engage viewers and drive traffic to your business.
Feature Articles:
Gain credibility and visibility with feature articles on McKoy’s News. Share your success stories, latest offerings, and expert insights with our readers.
Ready to Elevate Your Business?
Contact us today and let McKoy’s News be your partner in success.