March 22, 2004

Jamaica: Dry Even For the Dry Season  

The current dryness in Jamaica is disruptive to agriculture, but does not represent a threat to its national food security situation. Expected timely arrival of the rainy season (May-October) and an active 2004 hurricane season (June-November) are reasons the situation should eventually improve. Meanwhile, the current below-normal rainfall at numerous locations across Jamaica mean there are fewer crops in development, and strict water conservation practices for pets and other yard animals.

Note:  FAS Kingston reports that Jamaica does not produce barley, oats, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat for commercial purposes, nor does the Ministry of Agriculture collect and disseminate data for these crops. Corn is produced on a limited scale for human consumption; grain corn for animal feed is imported.

Overview  

Mid-March marks the fifth month of abnormal dryness across Jamaica, continuing a pattern of moisture extremes.  Unusually heavy rainfall in May 2002 and 2003 contrasts sharply to the seasonal dryness experienced for most of February and March of 2002 and March 2004.  This year’s dryness may prove exceedingly harmful as it was not preceded by January precipitation in excess of 4 inches, as was the case the prior two years.  Parishes on the north side of the island, in particular, have experienced above-normal average temperatures, as well as daily maximum temperatures in excess of normal since the start of 2004 (see Hanover, Saint Ann, and Portland).  Trucking water for drinking and other purposes to rural areas is normal in Jamaica, and the concern is that transportation resources may not be available to meet the heightened demand. Water rationing has not been instituted, but water conservation practices are being promoted. 

Missed Income Opportunity

The vast majority of Jamaica’s producers are small independent farmers who typically depend upon rainfall to provide moisture for their crop fields. Many producers delayed planting since February, and those who did plant now face moisture deficiencies. When the heavy monsoonal rains begin, producers will have difficulty getting their stands established in saturated soils, and some seed will be washed away by downpours. Most households have sufficient stores of tubers and poultry to feed themselves into the rainy season; however, they suffer financial loss when they are unable to supply their vegetable customers in other Caribbean nations. This missed income opportunity cannot be made up later in the year.

Comparison: Jamaica Crop Statistics, 2002 and 2003 (click here to view)

Previous PECAD Updates 

January 16, 2004 Caribbean: Tropical Storm Odette Causes Little Damage in Caribbean

May 29, 2003 Caribbean: Jamaican Farmers Pause to Assess Storm Damage After Heavy Rainfall

FAS Kingston Report:  Jamaica Oilseeds and Products Annual 2004 (click here to view)

Visit Crop Explorer for more information on weather, soils, and crops.

For more information contact Ron White
 of  the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, FAS at (202) 690-0137.