In the wake of Hurricane Beryl causing devastation to Jamaica’s agriculture sector, all eyes are on Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited, a leading fertiliser manufacturer in the region. The company assures that there will be no shortage of this critical agricultural input for the rest of the year, providing a glimmer of hope for farmers aiming to recover from the staggering $5 billion in losses incurred due to the storm.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Newport-Fersan, with an 85% market share, guarantees that farmers will have access to all necessary supplies as they work towards rebuilding their livelihoods.
- Sales manager Denton Alvaranga confirms that there is over three months’ worth of raw materials in stock, sufficient to meet the national demand for the remainder of the year.
- Following Beryl’s impact, Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green, reports losses of $4.73 billion across the sector, affecting nearly 49,000 farmers and over 23,000 hectares of farmland.
- The Jamaica Agricultural Society President, Lenworth Fulton, anticipates an increased demand for fertiliser as farmers embark on replanting efforts post-hurricane.
- Despite global supply disruptions and price increases due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Newport-Fersan assures a steady supply of fertiliser sourced from the Americas to meet local demands.
Further insights shed light on the significance of fertiliser in agriculture:
- Enhancing crop growth through nutrients, fertiliser plays a vital role in post-hurricane recovery efforts for various crops, including bananas, vegetables, and root crops.
- Fulton emphasizes the timely application of fertiliser during different planting seasons, adapting to regional crop varieties and expected rainfall patterns.
- Newport-Fersan’s recent donation of fertiliser to support farming communities highlights their commitment to aiding agricultural recovery efforts post-natural disasters.
In conclusion, the unwavering commitment of companies like Newport-Fersan to ensure a stable supply of fertiliser is crucial in driving the resurgence of Jamaica’s agriculture industry following the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Together, with strategic initiatives and support from stakeholders, the sector can rebuild and thrive once again.
