Hurricane Melissa inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s agriculture sector, with estimated losses surpassing J$20 billion, according to Agriculture Minister Floyd Green. He characterized the storm as a devastating setback for farmers, fishers, and rural residents, many of whom confront serious threats to their livelihoods.
Initial assessments reveal nearly total destruction of banana and plantain crops, alongside heavy losses in vegetables, yams, and fruit trees. About 40% of the layer flock perished, and fisheries sustained major harm, including the loss of a quarter of the fishing fleet and damage reported by 41% of aquaculture operations. With some regions still unreachable, comprehensive evaluations are expected by next Monday.
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched its recovery strategy, prioritizing income stabilization and production restoration. Measures include emergency input distribution, supply procurement, and market support. The Food and Agriculture Organisation has assigned a disaster specialist to assist. Green pledged swift government action and plans to brief Parliament on the full damage and response plan.
Initial assessments reveal nearly total destruction of banana and plantain crops, alongside heavy losses in vegetables, yams, and fruit trees. About 40% of the layer flock perished, and fisheries sustained major harm, including the loss of a quarter of the fishing fleet and damage reported by 41% of aquaculture operations. With some regions still unreachable, comprehensive evaluations are expected by next Monday.
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched its recovery strategy, prioritizing income stabilization and production restoration. Measures include emergency input distribution, supply procurement, and market support. The Food and Agriculture Organisation has assigned a disaster specialist to assist. Green pledged swift government action and plans to brief Parliament on the full damage and response plan.
