According to Jamaica's Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green, the supply of bananas and plantains is anticipated to normalize around February 2025 following the severe impacts of Hurricane Beryl. The storm resulted in significant damage to the agriculture sector, with an estimated 64 percent of these crops in production affected. This has necessitated over $1.8 billion in recovery efforts. Green highlighted that the economic contribution of these crops exceeds $13 billion annually to the nation's economy.
In response to the devastation, the Banana Board has distributed $40 million to approximately 2,300 banana farmers, providing them with fertilizer and a six-week recovery plan. Additionally, a further $38 million has been allocated to assist banana farmers operating on less than 0.2 hectares, a demographic not included in the initial support. Over 500 farmers have been identified by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) for this additional aid.
Green stated: "Our banana and plantain sector will not rebound until seven months from July, so next year February thereabouts, and that's just the reality because it takes some time."
Source: Loop News