Dozens of farmers in eastern Jamaica are crediting the
Economic Diversification Programme for banana producing parishes with creating
increased income generation for them and their communities, during the 17-month
life of the programme.
In a media release, it was highlighted that despite some setbacks due to
the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, the farmers in Esher, St Mary, and Somerset, St
Thomas, who are engaged in the programme have reaped bumper-yields of over
50,000 pounds of scotch bonnet pepper, 39 gallons of honey and 26 new-born
goats.
The Economic Diversification Programme for banana producing parishes is
financed by the European Union Banana Support Programme (EUBSP) and implemented
by Food For The Poor (FFP).
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Agricultural Development Agency
(RADA) are supporting partners.
sustainable production
The programme provided the farmers with materials, training and technical
support necessary to engage in sustainable production of scotch bonnet peppers,
goats and bees/honey.
The communities which have benefited were traditionally devoted to banana
production, and were previously suffering from a dramatic downturn in their
income due to a decline in the banana industry.
The Economic Diversification Programme has stimulated economic empowerment
for the farmers by generating alternative earning opportunities for them.
Outlining the benefits which he and his community have derived from the
programme, Orville Wright, beneficiary farmer in Somerset, said, "It has
impacted the community in a positive way."
Wright explained that other members of the community who are not
beneficiary farmers have also benefited, as they work along with the 20
beneficiaries in the area.
Source: Jamaica Star - May 3, 2013
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