Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has called for Jamaica to harness science, technology, and home-grown innovation to transform the agricultural sector, while reaffirming that farming remains central to the nation's economic independence.

Addressing patrons on the final day of the three-day 72nd Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon on Sunday, held under the theme, 'Growing forward: Cultivating a path to a better Jamaica', Holness said the event's observance during the Emancipation period serves as a reminder of agriculture's historic role in enabling newly emancipated Jamaicans to build independent and sustainable livelihoods after slavery.

"Agriculture is about our independence. It is about our survival. It is a part of our struggle for economic independence," Holness said.