Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Pottinger

With the agriculture sector severely battered by Hurricane Dean and weeks of torrential rain, the umbrella body for the island's farmers will this year be pushing the Government to implement a National Crop Insurance Scheme.

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, said the organisation expected the Government to lead the implementation of a National Insurance Scheme in association with the sector's stakeholders.

While outlining JAS' wishes for the New Year, Senator Grant said a National Crop Insurance Scheme is critical to be in place before the 2008 hurricane season.

"This would ensure that there is a mechanism that would provide the sector with a path for fast track recovery," he said.

Banana production

Approximately 75 per cent of the country's vegetable crops were destroyed by the passage of the hurricane. In other sectors, banana production in the main growing areas of Portland, St. Mary and St. Thomas had 90 per cent destruction. Sugar cane loss is estimated at 40 per cent; cocoa, 20 per cent; chicken, 20 per cent; while 60 per cent of housing for livestock was affected.

President of the All-Island Banana Growers Association, A.A. 'Bobby' Pottinger, said a National Insurance Scheme is a good proposition. Mr. Pottinger however said that for banana growers what is needed is a self-insurance scheme.

The banana growers president said that, currently, farmers are charged a cess which may increase this year so the association members may receive more if they are affected by a disaster.

"We should increase the cess and properly invest the money so we can take care of our farmers," said Mr. Pottinger.

Maria Azan, champion farmer for 2007, has however backed the call for an insurance scheme.

"It's an excellent idea as farmers usually come up short and experience a long waiting period to bounce back," said Mrs. Azan.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com