Rafael’s impact on agriculture sector put at $621 million – Green

Jamaica’s agriculture sector has suffered another hit from a weather system with Tropical Storm Rafael causing an estimated $621 million in damage.

The amount is preliminary.

More than 5,000 farmers were affected by the system that impacted the island on November 5; it follows the multi-billion dollar hit the sector took from Hurricane Beryl in July.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green provided the latest update on Tuesday during a statement in the House of Representatives. According to Green, the amount is a “staggering figure that underscores the urgency of our response”.

Continuing, he said: “The storm unleashed heavy rains that led to severe flooding, landslides, and waterlogging in multiple key parishes, including Manchester, Clarendon, St Elizabeth, St Ann, St Mary, St Catherine, and Westmoreland. This damage has resulted in the loss of 364 hectares of crops across these parishes, translating to an estimated $207.9 million in losses”.

The specific crops affected are:

· Banana: Out of 1,854 hectares, 2.5 hectares were lost, affecting 545 farmers and valued at $4.25 million.

· Vegetables: Spanning 5,192 hectares, 188.9 hectares were destroyed, affecting 1,640 farmers with losses of $66.5 million.

· Plantain: With 2,346 hectares under cultivation, 7.2 hectares were damaged, impacting 627 farmers and valued at $10.94 million.

· Condiments (e.g., peppers): Covering 1,562 hectares, 24.32 hectares were affected, causing a $27.36 million in losses for 486 farmers.

· Fruits (cucurbits): Out of 3,027 hectares, 41.3 hectares were lost, affecting 282 farmers with losses valued at $47 million.

· Legumes (e.g., corn): 38 hectares were impacted, with losses reaching $2.85 million.

Green told the House that a total of 5,062 farmers were affected by crop losses, which resulted in significant financial setbacks for them and their families. He also noted that the livestock sector was not spared.

“Flooding and destroyed infrastructure have disrupted farm operations, causing death and displacement among animals. The loss to the livestock sector totals $31.1 million, with impacts primarily felt among poultry, pigs, and small ruminants,” Green said.

The minister outlined that 23,000 broilers were lost, affecting 1,106 farmers and valued at $3.83 million; so too 569 layers impacting 52 farmers with losses totalling $10.24 million; 134 pigs affecting 56 farmers and valued at $4.02 million; 12 beef cattle, impacting 11 farmers with losses of $840,000;  334 goats, affecting 118 farmers, valued at $11.69 million.

Additionally, 16 bee colonies were lost, impacting eight farmers and valued at $480,000.

Green pointed out that despite these numbers the overall losses to the sector from the passage of Rafael were much less significant than those suffered under Hurricane Beryl which impacted the country in July.

And he noted that the most significant damage was done to farm roads through scouring and land slippages.

“The estimated cost for road repairs stands at $382.5 million, affecting 191 farm roads essential for transporting goods from farms to markets. We are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Beryl. As we rebuild, Tropical Storm Rafael arrived, causing additional challenges for our recovery efforts. Now, we are facing ongoing rains...,” Green highlighted.