by Lissa Joseph, GIS
A preliminary assessment of the damage to the agriculture sector following Tropical Storm Kirk shows a 60 percent overall impact.
With between 85 to 90 percent of farmers in the north of the island feeling the brunt, the banana sub sector was hardest hit.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph, who toured affected farms in the aftermath of the storm, said it was disheartening to witness the devastation, particularly as the industry was well on its way to recovery following the 2013 Christmas Eve Trough, and Hurricanes Tomas, Irma and Maria. He expressed concern that the damage to banana fields will discourage farmers and cause slippage in the numbers desirous of continuing in production.
This is a dilemma the industry has faced before, resulting in a significant loss to the pool of banana farmers. Through a vigorous incentive program, government has been able to draw farmers back in, and the minister is hoping that the support mechanism will sustain the industry post Tropical Storm Kirk.
Daniel Donovan a farmer from Bel Air lost his banana field to Tropical Storm Kirk, he is hoping to restore his livelihood with the help of the government. He would like to see an extension to the incentives scheme.
A comprehensive report on the damage caused by Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to be presented by the Cabinet of Ministers.
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