Gov’t to rehabilitate Coleyville cold storage facility Gov’t to rehabilitate Coleyville cold storage facility

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be placing renewed focus on the island's storage and cold chain facilities to extend the quality, nutritional value, and shelf life of produce.

Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says the ministry is looking to rehabilitate the Coleyville cold storage facility in Mandeville, Manchester. The establishment of proper drying facilities is also being examined.

"A big part of what the buyers have spoken to us about is not just the amount but also the management and the practices in terms of how the farmers treat with a sensitive crop during that reaping stage. It is a focus for us to see that we build up our expertise in farm management and operations, so that we can make the most of our high production," Charles said.

The minister was speaking during Wednesday's post-Sectoral Debate press briefing at the ministry's office in Kingston.

Charles said investment in strategic subsectors is critical to maintaining the industry's growth momentum.

He advised that work continues under the National Agriculture Productivity Programme, which has seen more than $1 billion expended to provide production incentive support to farmers and fishers.

A total of $366 million has been spent to strengthen and expand the production of priority crops such as cocoa, cassava, dasheen, yam, ginger, hot pepper, Irish potato, onion, and strawberry.

For livestock development, the ministry is looking to expand the small ruminants industry.

Approximately $30.7 million has been spent to facilitate improved genetics, capacity building, infrastructure, and animal nutrition support.

Significantly, for the climate change adaptation and drought mitigation programme, Charles said more than $255.5 million has been expended to support the sector's resilience and mitigate the effects of the drought.

Additionally, the ministry spent more than $317 million to support ongoing production initiatives. These include the national broiler programme, the land clearance and preparation subsidy, the home garden programme, livestock research, increased lab capacity, fisheries development and expansion, mango industry development, resuscitation of the plantain industry, the national fruit tree programme to support youth entrepreneurs, and agricultural education and promotion.