Isratech Launches Farm Tour to Aid Jamaican Farmers After Hurricane

Isratech Jamaica has launched a resilience farm tour designed to assist farmers recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, which impacted farms five months prior. The initiative, announced during Farmers' Month, will offer support to a select group of agricultural producers across the island.

According to Isratech, 286 farmers submitted applications to participate in the program. Those selected will receive free farm assessments to identify areas for improvement, along with a quarter-acre gravity-fed irrigation system. Additionally, farmers will be provided with seedling trays and germination soils to aid in crop recovery and future production.

The farm tour is scheduled to begin in Top Hill, St Elizabeth. Isratech CEO Benjamin Hodara emphasized the company's commitment to the Jamaican agricultural community. "

Agriculture is unforgiving at the best of times. You invest months of work and the margin for error is thin," Hodara said. "

When a hurricane comes through, it doesn't just damage your crop, it disrupts entire livelihoods… We are going to the farms, because that is where the work is."

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green described Isratech's initiative as a "data-driven game changer" for Jamaican farmers. He highlighted the value of on-site technical assessments, stating, "

You know sometimes even if you don't get any items, just having a technical expert come and look at your farm and tell you how to change something as simple as how you design your farm might give you greater productivity and yield."

Green further explained the need for a shift in farming practices to adapt to changing climate conditions. He advocated for a "data-driven approach to do more precision-based farming," including farm design assistance, gravity-fed irrigation systems, and support with seedlings and fertiliser. The Ministry of Agriculture encourages other entities to follow suit with similar initiatives during Farmers' Month.

The minister also noted the increasing number of registered farmers in Jamaica, rising from 243,000 to 270,000 during his tenure. A significant portion of this increase is attributed to young people, particularly young women, entering the agricultural sector. He believes that showcasing successful implementations on model farms will encourage wider adoption of improved techniques.

South Manchester farmer Georgette Henry-Morgan spoke to the impact of the hurricane on her community of Salmon Town, describing "unprecedented destruction resulting in significant crop loss damage and soaring food prices." She stated, ”

Many of us are still recovering and it is clear that our agriculture sector needs support."

Henry-Morgan expressed her confidence in the resilience farm tour, stating, "

Initiatives like the resilience farm tour are crucial. Isratech is offering invaluable resources including free farm assessments, free farm irrigation systems, fertiliser and expert guidance. This will undoubtedly enhance our production, improve our resilience and contribute to Jamaica's food security."

The launch event included representatives from Agro-Invest Corporation, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and the Jamaica Agricultural Society. Attendees included Shane Angus, Arturo Ramirez, Dermon Spence, Garnet Edmondson, and Denver Thorpe. The initiative aims to provide practical assistance and knowledge to help farmers rebuild and improve their operations in the face of ongoing challenges.