The consequences of Hurricane Beryl have been catastrophic for banana and plantain farmers, with initial evaluations by the Banana Board indicating a critical loss of 80 to 100 percent of these essential crops.
The Board’s assessments have been focused on the key banana-producing parishes of St Thomas, St Mary, Portland, St James, St Catherine, and Clarendon. Despite facing challenges with access and communication, General Manager Janet Conie and her team are tirelessly working to evaluate the extent of the losses.
According to Conie, the commercial banana farmers, who collectively manage about 1,564 hectares of land, have suffered staggering losses of approximately 90%. The impact of this loss is immense, and our hearts and thoughts are with the affected farmers as they continue to face this difficult situation.
In the midst of this crisis, Conie emphasizes the importance of farmers returning to their lands as soon as possible. She advises them to take immediate measures such as covering any fallen bunches to prevent further damage, as exposure to the sun could render the fruits unsellable. Given the magnitude of the damage, it is evident that the plants have also been significantly affected.
Conie provides valuable guidance to the farmers, suggesting that they leave unripe bunches attached to the plants to encourage further development of the fruits. In cases where bunches can be salvaged for sale, she recommends a process called “chopping up,” which involves carefully removing damaged sections of the plant to prevent rotting and ensure the next crop’s healthy growth.
The Board is actively reaching out to the farmers through the media, demonstrating the proper technique for “chopping up.” Conie emphasizes the critical importance of carrying out this process within two weeks of the damage to avoid long-term setbacks in the next crop cycle.
Furthermore, Conie advises farmers to preserve any salvaged fruits in cold storage or a ripening room if possible. For those still in the field, she urges them to cover the fruits and sell as much as possible, underlining that if her recommendations are followed, the recovery process can take as little as nine months.
Recognizing the immense challenges faced by the farmers, the Banana Board is extending its support and guidance. Any banana or plantain farmer in need of assistance is encouraged to reach out to the Board at 876-439-9504. During this challenging time, we stand in solidarity with our farmers and are committed to supporting their recovery and future success.