Jamaica's agriculture sector is poised for advancement with the government's commitment to erect additional cold storage facilities across the island by 2025. This development aims to bolster food security and stabilize market prices in the face of erratic weather patterns. Cold storage is vital for prolonging the shelf life, nutritional value, and quality of agricultural produce.
In a recent announcement, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green disclosed a $100-million agreement to construct a cutting-edge cold storage facility in Kirkvine, Manchester. This project is a collaborative effort between the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority. Green elaborated, "We are setting up storage that will be about 3,700 square feet... so that farmers will be able to bring in their produce, store it, and send it off to the market, and reduce the issues that we have when we have an oversupply on the market."
Further plans include refurbishing the Coleyville cold storage facility in Manchester and launching 30 solar-powered modular facilities across Jamaica within the next five years, starting with four in 2025. These facilities, managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation, the Jamaica Agricultural Society, local farmers' associations, and through public-private partnerships, aim to turn a profit and boost productivity in the sector.
Local farmers express concerns over market price fluctuations due to climate disruptions among other factors. Orando White, a yam farmer, noted, "Any farmer would say that pricing is one of the major points of concern... So this will be a great input towards assisting farmers to earn better prices for their produce." The facilities are also expected to benefit consumers by providing a steady supply of produce, even during adverse weather conditions.
Historically, projects like the renovation of the Coleyville yam-packing warehouse have faced challenges, including high energy costs leading to operational failures. However, the current initiatives, including the use of renewable energy solutions, aim to overcome these obstacles. The government's recent $100-million commitment to support Irish potato growers underlines the importance of cold storage for various crops, emphasizing its role in reducing importation and enhancing the value chain in agriculture.
In conclusion, the development of cold storage facilities is seen as an integral step towards improving Jamaica's agricultural productivity and food security, with a focus on sustainable and efficient management practices.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner