Jamaica reduces spread of lethal yellowing disease by 70%
Jamaica has made significant strides in curbing the spread of lethal yellowing disease within its coconut industry, boasting a remarkable 70 per cent reduction, according to reports from the Coconut Industry Board (CIB).
Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, revealed this encouraging development during the commencement of the regional training workshop on Sustainable and Resilient Coconut Production within a Changing Climate.
The event took place at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Monday, March 4.
Groundbreaking research and results
Minister Green emphasized the pivotal role of research conducted by the CIB in combatting lethal yellowing disease.
Through research efforts, the Board has been instrumental in developing coconut varieties and hybrids resilient to this devastating ailment.
Such breakthroughs not only mitigate economic losses but also foster increased yields tailored to local climatic conditions.
Historical threats and recent initiatives
Lethal yellowing disease is traced back to its first occurrence in the Cayman Islands in 1834 and reached Jamaica in 1884.
However, it burgeoned into a significant threat post-1961, particularly in the Buff Bay area of Portland, and intensified during the 1970s with the decimation of approximately 10 million ‘Jamaica Talls’.
Alliances for industry development
The ongoing workshop, under phase two of the Alliances for Coconut Industry Development, Expansion, and Enhanced Support in the Caribbean, underscores concerted efforts to fortify the region’s coconut sector.
Technical sessions, facilitated by the CIB, encompass a spectrum of crucial topics ranging from seed garden establishment to climate-smart production practices.
Empowering farmers and enterprises
Minister Green highlighted the workshop’s broader objective of equipping smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with requisite skills in coconut production, value addition, and trade.
Emphasis is placed on fostering market linkages and attracting investments to stimulate industry growth.
Collaborative successes and achievements
The Minister attributed Jamaica’s strides in the coconut sector to collaborative endeavors involving various stakeholders such as governmental bodies, research institutes, industry players, and farmers.
These partnerships have not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also led to tangible outcomes including lead farmer demonstration plots and capacity-building initiatives across multiple parishes.
European Union backing and regional integration
Funded by the European Union (EU), the Alliances for Coconut Industry Development project encompasses 12 CARIFORUM countries.
Implemented in collaboration with key regional and national partners, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the project underscores a unified approach towards fortifying the region’s coconut industry.
