August 26-2012
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority RADA in light of the severe weather now threatening the nation, is again reiterating previous warnings
at this time to the nations’ farmers to be on heightened alert, to minimize any fallout from the severe weather conditions associated with the tropical storm system which is in close vicinity to the island.
Photos: File Pictures of Flood Effects in Jamaica during past severe weather
The warning comes on the heels of the issuance of an alert issue by the Jamaican Meteorological Service late last week, that A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is now in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Isaac strengthens slightly while moving closer to the island.
This means that tropical storm conditions continue pose a possible threat to the island within the next 24 hours.
This has brought sections of the island under the influence of tropical storm conditions; hence the Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect.
There have been outbreaks of heavy showers and thunderstorms since late Saturday August 25-2012, accompanied by strong gusty winds reaching tropical storm force, mainly over northern and eastern parishes.
RADA is reiterating the Met Service’s warnings to Fishers on the cays and banks to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland, if they have not already done so.
Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.
As it relates to our land based farming community RADA is advising the nation’s farmers to do the following:
Check with RADA to help make agricultural disaster plans in order to reduce risks the Authority operates a 24 hour help line 1-888-ASK-RADA.
Avoid planting any crops in flood prone areas.
Listen to the radio regularly for storm forecasts and warnings.
Secure a few cell-phone chargers for your farmer group to keep in touch during the worst of the severe weather conditions.
Stockpile feed and place at least two feet above ground in dry, flood resistant and leak proof areas to last at least one week.
Store pesticides and fertilizers in dry areas high enough off the ground.
Remove irrigation lines and equipment and store in an area secure from damage.
Establish protected seedling production centers for early replanting after the severe weather conditions have abated.
Keep a stand-by generator and fuel pumps serviced and ready for use.
Reap mature and ripe fruits and store in a cool dry area- crop farmers.
Repair farm buildings, fences, livestock pens to prevent damage to animals and other valid farm resources; as well as minimize losses due to the weather conditions.
Remove cattle and small ruminants from low lying areas to higher ground away from river banks and areas likely to have landslides or flooding.
Make a checklist of all farm animals.
Cut back tree branches and open canopies so wind passes through readily, thus reducing the level of damage during the storm.
The Agricultural Disaster Risk Management (ADRM) operation is headquartered at the RADA’s corporate office, at Hope Gardens and operates through all parishes through a collaborative effort involving relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MOA&F), ODPEM, IICA, JAS, NWA, SDC, the parish council, the police, community members and agricultural input suppliers.
RADA communicates with farmers through text messages sent to registered farmers prior, during and after a disaster to help farmers manage their operations.
Maia Chung
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
RADA
chungm@rada.gov.jm
