Government has allocated $157 million to assist farmers affected by flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone 22 which impacted the island on November 17.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green, made the announcement Tuesday during a statement in the House of Representatives. He noted that Jamaica received 18 per cent of its annual rainfall in a 24-hour period as the country was lashed by heavy and persistent rains.

A breakdown of the $157 million will see $64 million going towards the rehabilitation of farm roads; $15 million has been set aside for livestock farmers who suffered losses; $8 million to help rehabilitate/replace small tools and equipment; and $70 million for vegetable and crop farmers.

“The worst hit areas include Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas and they experienced significant agricultural losses,” said Green. He told the House that a total of 410 hectares of crop, including vegetables, fruits and condiments were lost.

“Livestock losses were also significant with 160,500 broilers, 1,460 layers, 70 pigs, 34 sheep and 47 goats being lost in the flood rains,” he said.

The minister said the impact on infrastructure was significant, including farm roads, especially in St Thomas and St Andrew, specifically East Rural St Andrew.

Additionally, irrigation systems were also impacted which, according to Green, has had a devastating impact on farmers in these communities. He said the damage assessment revealed that crop losses were significant, amounting to $173 million, impacting over 2,000 farmers. Livestock losses were in the region of $26 million, affecting 550 farmers while infrastructure damage accounted for about $64 million, with farm roads accounting for the bulk of the estimate.

Green noted that the $157 million is in addition to the $50 million that was previously allocated to help farmers get back on their feet after the flood rains.

Source - https://www.jamaicaobserver.com