Agriculture a Key Part of Growth Agenda

JAMAICA:  Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says strengthening the contribution of agriculture to economic growth is a major priority of the Government.
Mr. Hutchinson was speaking at the official launch of Newport Fersan’s Manni-Plex liquid fertiliser at Adam’s Valley Farm in Manchester on Wednesday (April 13).
He noted that Jamaican produce, including value-added items, are in high demand locally and overseas, and all that is needed is a coordinated and structured approach linking farmers with the markets and supply chains.
Minister Hutchinson lauded Newport Fersan for launching the fertiliser and its continued initiatives to improve soil heath and fertility in order to boost agricultural yields in the country.
He noted that the company has been working with the Ministry to assist farmers affected by drought and bush fires, by donating fertiliser to aid in replanting.
Minister Hutchinson expressed the hope that the company’s latest product will boost the production levels of farmers and “thereby contribute to the Government’s commitment to bring growth and prosperity to Jamaica”.
The new liquid fertiliser provides a quicker response by plants to the nutrients contained, which are available to both the roots and leaves of the plant.
Over 150 farmers and stakeholders attended the launch of the fertiliser, which included a tour of the 70-acre farm in the community of Maidstone.
They saw firsthand, the impact of the Manni-Plex fertiliser, which is being applied to strawberries being cultivated on the farm. Other crops being cultivated are onions, black mint, romaine lettuce, bell peppers and orange.
Newport Fersan carried out scores of soil tests before launching the product on the local market.