The Ministry of Agriculture disclosed that Hurricane Beryl, striking on July 3, led to substantial losses in Jamaica's banana sector, estimated at $2.1 billion. The event resulted in the decimation of 1,200 hectares of banana crops, primarily affecting commercial operations. Dermon Spence, the Permanent Secretary, highlighted the severe impact on banana production in St Thomas and Portland, with Janet Colie, the Banana Board's general manager, reporting a 74% destruction rate of banana plants.
Out of 1,500 hectares under cultivation, 1,200 were severely impacted. In response, the Banana Board has initiated the distribution of fertilisers to support recovery, expecting crop rejuvenation within nine months. Colie emphasized the resilience of banana cultivation, noting its continuous yield cycle. Also, Spence provided an overview of the broader agricultural damage, which included livestock, fisheries, and infrastructure, amounting to $6.5 billion.
The disaster affected over 48,000 farmers, with significant damage to greenhouses and farm roads, alongside the National Irrigation Commission's network sustaining $400 million in losses.
Source: jamaica-gleaner.com