The fallout from the geopolitical factors, such as the ongoing Ukraine/Russia war and disruptions in the global supply chains, have underscored the need for Jamaica to do much more to enhance its food security and nutrition. Because of this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be going all out this year to ensure that more Jamaicans become involved in agriculture, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr.
Delivering the keynote address during the Agricultural Legacy Awards at the Medallion Hall Hotel, in St Andrew, under the theme, ‘Celebrating Excellence in Agriculture,’ Charles Jr. declared that one of the most significant lessons learned by the ministry over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war, and continued climate change uncertainties, is that they have been compelled to step back and rethink their operational strategies.
“We can’t just grow anymore. We can’t just produce anymore. In the last two months alone, we have seen disruptions that have caused chaos, and so it is a flashing alert to the country, to you, and to the leaders in agriculture, that we need to refine how we operate. That’s why we say 'grow smart,' and it must be linked to actions. That’s why we say 'eat smart,' cause ultimately we want a society that’s is healthy, is productive, and we want our people to understand that clean soil and clean seeds are the beginning of better production," he declared.
Read more at jamaica-gleaner.com