Agriculture ministry activates drought mitigation protocols

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has activated drought mitigation protocols islandwide, amid below-average rainfall in key parishes, particularly St Thomas.

The ministry said St Thomas recorded the highest deficit among five parishes.

It disclosed in a media release on Thursday that it has earmarked close to $100 million to provide immediate and diverse assistance through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), among others, through what is projected to be a challenging period.

The ministry said recent data from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica shows that rainfall levels averaged just 65 per cent of the 30-year normal, with south-central and southeastern parishes most affected.

"Parishes such as Clarendon (38%), Manchester (66%), St Elizabeth (74%), and St Catherine (45%) have been experiencing below-normal rainfall since April, while St Thomas recorded only 21 per cent of its typical May total," reported the ministry, adding that approximately $10 million of the designated $100 million, has already been disbursed to satisfy urgent water trucking needs in Manchester, St Elizabeth, St Ann, Trelawny and Clarendon.

"The Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving conditions, fully aware that we may shift rapidly from drought to heavy rainfall. As such, we are actively advancing our drainage works and disaster preparedness efforts to ensure a swift and effective response to any weather-related events," said Agriculture Minister Floyd Green.

Meanwhile, the ministry said 1,300 small irrigation kits have been purchased and are ready for distribution to help mitigate the effects. It urged Jamaicans to conserve water, and remain vigilant about fire safety.

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