THE MINISTRY of Agriculture's Export Division is guaranteeing markets for locally grown nutmeg, which is experiencing a growth in demand among local and foreign consumers.
"There are definite markets for the spice, as demand is much more than supply," Melbourne Richardson, the Export Division's General Manager says.
"It is based on this knowledge that the Ministry is prepared to buy all the nutmeg that is offered for sale by growers," he added.
Efforts are being made to increase nutmeg production to offset the growing local demand of about 60 tons and export demand for a further 75 tons. This would generate income of about $28 million annually to farmers, Mr. Richardson said.
He said that in the effort to boost local production, the division has established the first commercial plot dedicated to nutmeg production at Orange River, St. Mary. The size of the plot is 4.5 hectares (10 acres).
In addition to guaranteeing markets for the nutmeg, farmers are also given nutmeg plants to boost their production levels. They are also being encouraged to improve planting practices by pruning nutmeg trees and removing thick undergrowth from plants.
During the period 2000-2002, the Ministry purchased 39 tons of nutmeg from growers, who earned $5.5 million. About 40 tons of nutmeg are imported annually.
The main nutmeg purchasing parishes are St. Catherine, St. Thomas and St. Mary.
