Local farmers are advised to be selective about the types of crops they plant, given that the island is experiencing a Meteorological Drought.
Chief Land Use officer within the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Trevor Thompson explained the necessity at a recent press conference exploring the drought outlook for the island.
He explained that “The ministry understands that it needs to do some research in terms of identifying drought resistant varieties ; that is something that is high priority and seeking to identify drought resistant seeds and varieties of crops , so that once the outlook comes from CIMH we can begin to ask farmers to get those plants.”
Furthering comments the Chief Land Use officer said, “The Ministry understand that we still need to feed the nation ; We still need to supply to the hotels and farmers still need to have a livelihood.
The island is currently developing the National Water Policy and Drought Management Mitigation Plan, having the support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) . The drafts for both are expected be submitted by the end of February.
By Mina Booker
