THE EDITOR, Sir:
FOR SEVERAL decades much has been said about agriculture as a major engine of growth in our economy. In recent times and especially since Gulf War II, the "talk" has accelerated.
The recent budget debate has kept the "talk" going and no doubt it will be intensified.
We have to move from the talk phase into real action and do so with deliberate haste. In order to do so and convince the practitioners (farmers) that we are serious, there are certain safeguards that must be put in place:
A sound marketing
programme for agricultural
produce.
Revive the research and extension services and transform them into effective bodies to serve the agricultural sector.
Establishment of proper processing facilities, which are accessible to farmers. The College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) has taken a lead role here where they have started a two-year course leading to the Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology. This effort should be encouraged and supported by Government and the private sector.
Effective control of praedial larceny.
Low single-digit interest rate financing for agricultural ventures.
The Minister of Finance in his budget speech has announced that, "The recovery in domestic agriculture has contributed greatly to reduced food prices and hence the moderate inflation for the first three months of 2003." "We have included some additional resources in the budget and also have earmarked sums from the Development Bank of Jamaica totalling approximately $300 million for various initiatives to facilitate expansion in the agricultural sector."
What we now need is an effective and efficient mechanism to get these resources and funds from where they now are into the land.
An early end to this high interest rate regime, which remains a hindrance in the path of production including agriculture.
Given the proper conditions, agricultural production can
be rewarding but it has major challenges.
Many farmers are now seeing it more profitable to invest in government paper instead of exposing their funds to the praedial larcenists, uncertain and volatile market conditions, non-existent technical support, not to mention harsh environmental conditions.
It is therefore essential that everything be done to take positive action in the areas within our control. The Government in general, and the Ministry of Agriculture in particular have a major role to play in this regard.
Although, in my opinion, the factors outlined above are necessary conditions for increased agricultural production, they may not be sufficient, hence I expect the "experts" to expand on these.
Most importantly, we need urgent action and need it now. I am confident that we can do it if we remember that it is only insane people that do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.
We will get nowhere by castigating farmers for less than adequate display of agricultural products at farm shows and criticising the poor overtaxed housewife for purchasing less expensive foreign agricultural products.
The factors needed to ensure success are:
co-operation and co-ordination among all the players
proper planning
effective and efficient execution of the plans and,
periodic review and modification where necessary.
I am, etc.,
CYRIL S. BRIDGE
cbridge@kasnet.com
P.O Box 749
Kingston 6
