Lynford Simpson, Staff ReporterGOVERNMENT SENATOR Norman Grant yesterday proposed the setting up of a National Crop (Peril) Insurance scheme to benefit small farmers affected by natural disasters, like the devastating May floods which did extensive damage to the agricultural sector.
Thousands of farmers in several parishes suffered crop and livestock losses running into millions of dollars, following 11 days of continuous rainfall.
Mr. Grant made the call for the insurance scheme while making his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate. He noted that during natural disasters small farmers, in particular, were left vulnerable and dependent on Government aid "and other such assistance."
He pointed to the disbursement of $120 million to coffee farmers affected by the floods by the Coffee Industry Board, noting that large farmers involved in producing crops overseen by various boards are covered in times of disaster.
"The small and medium sized farmers engaging in non-traditional and domestic crops have no such support. I humbly place before this House the idea, a proposal to assist and offer a level of security to these farmers in time of loss from disasters," Grant said in his prepared text.
The proposed National Farmers Peril Insurance Plan he said could be funded by a Government contribution in the first two years, seed capital from large corporate entities connected to agriculture and quarterly subscriptions from all registered farmers.
In the event of a disaster, the fund would represent an equitable basis of assisting farmers. It would also serve as encouragement to those young people considering agriculture as a livelihood, and would provide a safety net in times of crisis for those already involved, the Government Senator noted.
Mr. Grant who served as chairman of the Jamaica 4H Movement, disclosed that plans are underway to develop the 95 Old Hope Road property. The project, he said, would enable the Movement to generate income of US$900,000 per annum over a period of 20 years.
The development will include: head office complex; complex for commercial venture to be leased to a successful private sector company; facility for seminar, home and hospitality training and economic division; facility for a farmers training institute to benefit young and rural farmers by exposing them, in a structured way, to developments in the sector.
Discussions are far advanced and an official announcement will be made in September, he said.
