The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources will be distributing their Hurricane Beryl Response Incentive Package of over $11 million in the upcoming week. Grenada has been severely affected by the hurricane, after which significant losses have been made to the farmers.
During a media briefing last Friday, Ministry officials outlined details of the initiative. They have claimed that the “Package includes one of the payments of up to $9,000 and material support to help affected farmers recover and rebuild.” Also, all those farmers who have land of less than 5 acres will receive $4500, and those with more than 5 acres will get $9000.
This incentive package aims to provide farmers and pay damage to over 80% of the country’s agriculture. The package also targets the fresh produce sector and seedling nurseries. A total of 4,000 farmers from different places, such as St. Patrick, Saint Andrew, and Saint Mark, will benefit from this support.
Lawrence Saint Louis, Chief Extension Officer, said in an interview, “It is important for all the farmers to give their important bank details correctly. Changing a single digit can cause significant problems, and it is essential for the farmers to re-verify their bank account details to receive incentives in their accounts.”
Her interviews have also stated the negligence of many people who never verify their account details before submitting them. She also said, “Those who are not willing to receive the incentive package should visit her office and claim for Inland revenue.”
Farmers, fishers, and beekeepers from across the country will also receive material support under the Hurricane Beryl Incentive Package. Doctor Kimmon Cummins, Acting Chief Fit and Livestock Officer, also provided support to all the farmers who were affected by the hurricane.
Sources indicate that, on the coming Thursday, bee feed substitutes will be provided to the farmers. This will help them in overcoming the problems they are facing with the bee feeders. Three hundred boxes, framers, wax sheets, and various other essential materials will be provided to the beekeepers.
Those farmers who look after pigs have also been greatly affected by the hurricane. The north-east region comes at the top. Compensations for housing, galvanized hurricanes, straps, bumper and tanks, cement, and steel will be provided to the poultry farmers out there.
Farmers have also faced various issues due to poor drainage, sewage systems, and improper environment. The ministers have assured us they will look into these significant problems and look for the same.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Isaac Baguan, has spoken about the incentive initiative. She has also conveyed that all this will combine and benefit the maintenance of food security in the country. It will also contribute to safeguarding the nation’s food supply.
