Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green delivered a sobering report to Parliament on Tuesday, revealing the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the nation’s agricultural sector. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused an estimated $29.5 billion in damages, affecting 41,390 hectares of farmland and over 70,000 farmers across the country’s most productive regions. The devastation included the destruction of 32,400 hectares of vegetable crops, significant losses in banana and plantain production, and the death of approximately 1.25 million animals. The fisheries sector also suffered a $5.76 billion blow, with 25% of the national fishing fleet damaged or destroyed. Minister Green, however, expressed unwavering resolve, stating that recovery efforts have already begun. He announced the reactivation of the Agricultural Disaster Recovery Task Force and the reallocation of $450 million from the Production Incentive Programme to emergency recovery. Immediate measures include the importation of essential food items like tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage, as well as chicken, fish, and eggs, to stabilize the food supply. On the ground, seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs are being distributed to farmers, with a focus on early planting in less-affected areas such as Eastern Jamaica and agro-parks. Support for the fisheries sector includes clearing debris to reopen beach access and repairing damaged vessels. For livestock farmers, the Veterinary Services Division is implementing a recovery program to stabilize animal health and reduce further losses. Looking ahead, Minister Green emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural practices and improved infrastructure resilience. He concluded with a rallying call, urging private sector partners to remain committed and praising the resilience of the nation’s farmers and fishers, stating, ‘We shall rise again.’