THE GOVERNMENT is to allocate $100 million through the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands to assist in repairing farm roads across the island.
Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Roger Clarke, made the disclosure during the 111th annual general meeting of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, last Wednesday.
"We will be working with the Public Works (National Works Agency) and identify those roads that are a priority," Mr. Clarke told the scores of farmers in attendance. He said it would not be possible to repair all the farm roads, but those that are in the worst conditions would be targeted.
In emphasising how much the poor state of farm roads across the island affect agricultural production, the minister pointed out, "Some people say praedial larceny is the greatest deterrent to agricultural production, but I must tell you that bad roads is sometimes even worst than the praedial thieves."
FIVE MILE WALK
"When a farmer has to walk for five miles to reach the field; when him reach all he can do is just cook and get ready to go back home," he added. This resonated well with the farmers who shouted in agreement with the minister.
In repairing farm roads, the Agriculture and Lands Minister said this would assist significantly in increasing agricultural production and rural development.
Mr. Clarke, however, did not say when the ground work would start nor did he give a timeline by which the repairs would be done.
Mr. Clarke also urged the farmers to be more vocal in voicing their concerns as they were the single largest group of the island's labour force.
