Preliminary estimates of the losses across the agriculture and fisheries sector following Hurricane Melissa have totalled over $20 billion so far.
Technocrats within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining have briefed portfolio minister Floyd Green that the final figure is expected to rise as several severely impacted areas remain inaccessible.
Green has described the situation as catastrophic, noting that Hurricane Melissa has delivered a crippling blow to farmers, fishers and rural communities whose livelihoods are now at extreme risk.
The agriculture ministry says early reports indicate near total devastation in key crop lines, including an estimated 90 per cent loss of banana and plantain and significant destruction across vegetables, tubers, particularly yam, and fruit trees.
Preliminary livestock assessments show major disruption, including the loss of approximately 40 per cent of the layer flock. Fisheries have also been severely hit, with 25 per cent of the island’s fishing fleet destroyed and 41 per cent of aquaculture farmers reporting damage.
Green says teams are working at pace to complete full evaluations by Monday. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has deployed a disaster assessment specialist to support the process and help guide the technical response.
He says the Ministry has already activated its recovery plan to stabilize incomes and begin restoration across the worst-affected communities. Immediate actions include support to salvage crops through critical inputs such as fertilisers and other treatments, emergency sourcing of inputs using special procurement channels and the strengthening of market linkages to ensure that available supplies are rapidly absorbed.
“We are confronting widespread destruction,” Minister Green said. “Many families depend directly on this sector, and their ability to earn has been severely compromised. We will move urgently to support recovery and to ensure that our farmers and fishers can rebuild. I will update Parliament next week on the full extent of the damage and present the programme of response.”
Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at [email protected] or [email protected].
