JP Farms says irrigation holding off drought threat

JP Farms says it expects to keep bananas, plantains, and pineapples flowing to market despite Jamaica’s severe drought, with irrigation now doing much of the work that rainfall is not.

The St Mary agricultural operation, which spans about 450 hectares and employs roughly 250 people, is drawing on several wells to keep its fields supplied with water as dry conditions place growing pressure on farms across the island.

General Manager Mario Figueroa said the farm currently has adequate water to sustain production of its main crops, including bananas, plantains, pineapples, and coconuts.