Jamaica: JSIF allocates $19 million to boost production of potato seedlings

Jamaica’s capacity to produce clean Irish potato seedlings has been enhanced with a $19-million allocation from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). Under the programme, the money spent annually to import 90 per cent of Irish potato seeds into the island will be cut significantly, while the availability of first-generation seeds will be guaranteed throughout the year. Delivering the keynote address at the launch of the initiative on August 15, at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) offices in St. Andrew, Managing Director at JSIF, Omar Sweeney, pointed out that the project will also facilitate  the control of pests and diseases, and increase the yield per hectare. More