Jamaicans urged to grow own food as prices spike

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine intensify, the impact is set to disrupt global supply chains and affect food security across the globe.

With this problem looming, local farmers are urging residents to start tilling the soil, in efforts to become self-sufficient should certain foods become scarce or expensive.

Trevor Bernard, president of the Goat and Sheep Farmers Association of Jamaica, stressed that the crisis should see more Jamaicans getting involved in backyard farming, irrespective of the communities in which they reside. He explained that there are techniques to be employed by those living in the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Area that can help with boosting yield.

"They can do roof-top farming, on the sides, but they need to do more farming. It's necessary and it may be the healthier option anyway," Bernard said.

Ukraine produces wheat, barley, corn and rye that much of Europe relies on. Russia is also the world's top wheat exporter and together with Ukraine, both countries account for roughly 29 per cent of the global wheat export market.

However, Bernard suggested that with the impact the conflict may have on wheat-based products, such as bread and flour, Jamaicans may have to seek alternatives such as cassava or breadfruit.

"We may have to cut out flour and those things. Too much rice is not good, so we may grow more ground provisions, such as sweet potato or eat cassava bread. There is going to be a shift coming," the farmer explained.

Bernard added that the impact may pose a major challenge to poultry rearing, especially layer chickens, whose feed is made of corn. The farmer added that chicken is the island's most-eaten protein and with a shortage already posing a challenge to local poultry farmers, the situation could worsen and see lower yields in egg and chicken.

Another farmer, Shandae Bascoe, shared with THE STAR that the conflict between the European countries may result in more Jamaicans recognising the advantages of farming at home, and may start incorporating farming alternatives such as hydroponic techniques.

"I believe we are to brace for the surge in prices in the coming months. At the very least, [we should] be prepared to spend more on food since the ongoing conflict, if escalated, can disrupt the global supply chains," Bascoe said.

Last week, Nutramix, one of Jamaica's premier manufacturers of animal feed, said its products will cost more as the conflict in Eastern Europe develops, coupled with the ongoing increase in agricultural commodities.

Ukraine is a major supplier of animal feed.