Hugh Martin A RADIO talk-show host, a little while back, declared that the agricultural sector was dead and that the only ones who didn't know it were those in the Ministry of Agriculture. One is not sure how he arrived at this diagnosis but nobody challenged it. Meanwhile, those in the Ministry of Agriculture have been going about their business as if they are alive.
Evidence of life in the sector is contained in a nice little publication sent to me recently entitled "Ministry of Agriculture; Performance Highlights 2002 - 2003" and sub-titled; "Towards Technology Driven Production".
What is nice about it is its attractiveness. The cover is adorned with an interesting collage of picture perfect fruits and vegetables, and workers engaged in hi-tech activities in office, laboratories and greenhouse settings. These are superimposed on a fishing beach creating a beautiful background of sea, mountain and sky. It is a picture that compels you to open the magazine to see what is contained within. It is said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but in this case you wouldn't go wrong. Somehow the production team managed to maintain the very high standard throughout its 17 pages which, unusually, include the inside back cover. This is accomplished by the innovative use of space, font and colour and complemented by a generous mix of relevant photographs. In short it is reader-friendly.
TURN-OFF
This is not a book review. I've taken the time to say all that because there are many publications on technical topics that never get read because the presentations are often a turn-off. One such is the "Investigations" bulletin the Agriculture Ministry once published annually but usually several years behind. They were hardly ever opened much less read as they challenged the fingers to pull the pages apart wide enough to expose the beginning of each line. As for layout that was a foreign language and each page was one solid unbroken column of text. Mind you, the information contained in them was often invaluable. Fifty years ago for instance the bulletin may have reported on Dr. T. P. Lecky's work in the new cattle breeds or Mr. Sam Motta's in grasses. These can still be accessed at the Ministry of Agriculture's Library but I assure you they don't make easy reading.
That is the beauty of this latest publication. It is easy on the eyes and you want to read more about what those lovely pictures are saying. It demonstrates in text and in living colour that Agriculture is still very much alive and active. If you thought that nothing was happening in Agricultural Research for instance you would be in for a pleasant surprise. I venture to say that the Ministry has managed to keep this body of work a well kept secret until now.
In spite of its size the publication still manages to deal with eight subject areas including the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) the Veterinary Division and a number of projects made possible by funding from external donor agencies. I'll mention just two crops in which outstanding work has taken place. These are Scotch Bonnet pepper and Ginger, spices that have done Jamaica proud on the international scene.
EXPORT CROPS
Scotch Bonnet pepper along with a number of other hot peppers, is one of our most competitive non-traditional export crops earning more than US$1 million annually. Unfortunately, in recent years it has fallen victim to a number of pests and diseases resulting in a serious decline in production. The Research and Development Division of the Ministry of Agriculture with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) developed a programme to combat these pests. This included the development of integrated pest management techniques which not only provide effective control but ensure as well that the export product is free of pesticide residues. In addition new disease resistant cultivars of Scotch Bonnet were bred and some 20 kilograms of high quality seeds were produced for sale to the 3,000 farmers involved in hot pepper production.
There has been a phenomenal growth of interest internationally in Jamaican hot sauces and this has resulted in greater demand for hot pepper by the processors. To assist new entrants into production the Research Division also produced a handbook on the growing of Scotch Bonnet pepper in Jamaica.
SAD STORY
The Ginger story has been a sad one. Introduced into Jamaica in 1525 it was an instant success. By 1547 it had gained such a reputation for superior quality that exports to Europe had reached approximately 2,500,000 lbs. Over time production fell dismally and farmers began to lose interest more so when the Rhizome Rot Disease began to affect it. By 1999 exports had fallen to approximately two tonnes. The Ministry must be commended for the work it has done since then to revitalise this crop bringing exports back up to 11 tonnes last year. Not quite where it was four and a half centuries ago but it is a reasonable start. Thanks to the Communication & Public Relations Unit to let us know that Agriculture is alive and recovering.
Hugh Martin is a communications specialist and farm broadcaster. E-mail: humar@cwjamaica.com.
