MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES & RADA E-NEWSLETTER
Newsletter Date
August 20, 2009
ONION
Enhancing and Increasing Onion Production Islandwide
Onion is of economic importance in Ja- of the condiment on the overseas market.
maica. The condiment is required in the However, there is a delay in the consign-
fresh market, as well as the agro-processing ment of onions from suppliers due to the
industry. In 2008, total consumption was preparation (drying & curing) of the new
6,852,362 kg, while local production con- crop. Importers also indicated that based on FOR MORE
tributed only 455,000 kg or 6.6% of the expected supplies the price should decrease
INFORMATION
country’s onion demand. Jamaica, therefore, in the next two to three weeks.
is heavily dependent on imports (93.4%). Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisher- Supply Availability Marketing & Credit
ies, through the Production and Productiv- St. Elizabeth and St. Thomas are the Div. Hope Gardens
Kingston 6
ity Programme, recognized the need to major growing areas, where the former ac-
Jamaica
increase the island’s production of selected counted for eighty five percent (85%) of
crops, including onion. Under this pro- total production in year 2008. (876) 927-1731-50
gramme the Ministry continues to motivate (876) 927-1792 (Fax)
farmers to establish or increase the produc- Uses
marketing@moa.gov.jm
tion of a named crop by providing fertilizer, Onions are used to flavor every type of pdlyttle@moa.gov.jm
seeds, land preparation, technical support food, including meat and fish. It is a spicy
and market access. garnish and an excellent jerk seasoning. You
may even add it to your salad.
Prices
On the week ending August 14, 2009 Health Benefits
the average retail price of onion was $213/ • Treats colds, coughs, asthmas
kg, while the farmgate price range was $88 • Induces appetite
to $99/kg. • Reduces the growth of tumours in the
In recent weeks there has been an in- colon
crease in the price of onions locally. Im- • Cardiovascular helper
porters indicated that there is no shortage • Prevents cancer
Why Invest in Onion?
• The crop will adapt to Jamaica’s ecology.
• There is a strong local demand.
• There is an opportunity to replace the imported component of our consump‐
tion.
• There is an opportunity to reduce the food import bill.