Speech
Andrew Holness  ·  2026-08-17 16:51

Technology and New Practices Are Transforming the Culture of Agriculture

The other striking thing in the culture of agriculture, which we see changing, is a great attempt to infuse technology into agriculture. And there are different levels to the adaptation of technology into agriculture. First, people will try to mechanize. They will try to bring in new tools that improve their productivity. Then, they will try to bring in new practices. And we are seeing new practices being adopted in agriculture. Then, we see new products being adopted to agriculture. We're seeing new varieties being brought into our production. But one of the things I am particularly impressed about is that we are seeing an attempt by the Ministry of Agriculture. I'm seeing it through CASE that there is a genuine attempt now, a genuine attempt at researching to deal with the problems that we have, to come up with with our own indigenous solutions. So, yes, people are bringing in new technology. We're seeing drones and all kinds of things being used in agriculture now, and that's very good. We're seeing new practices coming in. We're seeing the towers to grow the leafy vegetables and all kinds of attempt at sustainable water usage, good practices. But I like the fact that there is research. Now, for example, I saw the CASE team doing a research in how to reduce methane in feed for ruminants. That is good for the environment in terms of climate change, but it also increases the the growth of the ruminants. And this is what I want to see more of in agriculture, greater research in agriculture.