Big opportunity for local strawberry

Webster McPherson, consultant agronomist in charge of protected agriculture at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), said that local strawberries are now being embraced by purchasers because it tastes better and has a longer shelf life.

Strawberries, which require cooler temperatures, are found in areas in Jamaica in excess of 2,000 ft above sea level. These include Guy's Hill in St Catherine, Adams Valley in Manchester, Gordon Town and Newcastle in St Andrew, and sections of Trelawny and St Mary.

A total of 50,000 pounds of strawberry is being produced per annum, representing 10 per cent of local consumption.

McPherson said that a revolving project was started last planting season where 23,500 plantlets valued at $3.5 million were given to farmers, who are expected to return twice the number of plantlets.

Under the $1.6-billion Production Incentive Programme, strawberry is among nine crops being targeted for increased production. The others include ginger, hot peppers, Irish potatoes, onion, sweet yam, dasheen and cassava.

Over 4,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the programme, directly and indirectly.