THE EASTERN Jamaica Agricultural Support Project (EJASP) has surpassed its targeted assistance to 5,600 small-scale farmers. To date, EJASP has spent just under $104 million to boost production among 6,798 primary producers.
Project Manager Leslie Grant explained that this money was used to implement 78 sub-projects, under which farmers were assisted with goat meat and honey production, small-scale irrigation, farm road rehabilitation, as well as the cultivation of plantain, ginger, hot pepper, vegetables and a number of tree crops. EJASP, a European Union-funded initiative, was established in January of 2000, to enable farmers in the eastern parishes of Portland, St. Andrew, St. Mary and St. Thomas, to improve their livelihoods, by increasing production and improving the marketing of crops that are competitive on both the local and export markets.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
In light of this, the project is focused on promoting business development and marketing support and has, therefore, facilitated the training of over 5,000 farmers in group dynamics and management, the application of improved production technologies and better land husbandry practices. Assistance with packaging and marketing has also been made available and some farmers' groups have been provided with facilities for the ripening of plantain, and the drying of ginger. Groups of goat farmers have also been provided with slaughter houses.
Continuing, Mr. Grant stated that although the project was scheduled to end in December of this year, a proposal had been submitted to the European Union for an extension for an additional year. He, however, stressed that whether the project was extended or not, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) would continue to monitor the operation of all on-going sub-projects.
PERFORMANCE
On the matter of EJASP's performance for this year, Mr. Grant said, "No new initiatives will be undertaken. Instead, we will be using the remaining funds of approximately $15 million to strengthen existing sub-projects, particularly in the area of marketing."
The area covered by EJASP in Eastern Jamaica was selected because it has the highest concentration of small-scale farmers.
