FARMERS IN Portland have been challenged to use technology and market research to improve agricultural production and earnings, thereby enhancing national and community development.
The call came from Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, Dr. Donald Rhodd, as he addressed the launching of the Portland Praedial Larceny Committee at the Port Antonio Marina last week Thursday.
The committee, which is the first to be established in the island, will work closely with the police, farmers and communities in the parish to reduce praedial larceny.
Dr. Rhodd, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, emphasised that the application of technology and the use of market research were of utmost significance, if Jamaica's agriculture is to be competitive in the global environment.
He encouraged the Portland branch of the Jamaica Agricul-tural Society (JAS) to forge a partnership with the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), so that members could exploit the technological resources available at that institution for the benefit of farmers in the parish.
The Member of Parliament said he would be providing an award of $250,000 to the JAS group in Eastern Portland, which has made the best use of technology and market research to enhance agricultural production.
He also invited the JAS to Partner with him in establishing a Fund, to which he would contribute $500,000, for the purpose of encouraging and fostering the development of agro-businesses in Eastern Portland.
Dr. Rhodd exhorted farmers in the parish to treat agriculture as a serious business, adding that he was particularly interested in encouraging the young people of the parish to become involved in agricultural production.
He called on residents in the parish to support members of the Praedial Larceny Committee, so that it could achieve its objective.
