September 3, 2026

RADA urges farmers to take immediate action to protect farms, crops, livestock and livelihoods from bushfires

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers to take immediate action to protect their farms, crops, livestock and livelihoods from bushfires.

This as hot, dry and windy conditions continue to affect the agricultural sector.

Those weather conditions are associated with drought and the El Niño weather system.

In recent times, bushfires have affected farmlands in St. Elizabeth, St. Mary and St. Catherine.

In a statement, RADA said farmers should immediately discontinue the use of slash-and-burn methods for land preparation.

It warned that fires used for clearing land can quickly spread beyond control and threaten neighbouring farms, forests and communities.

Additionally, the authority said fires should not be lit outdoors during dry conditions, even when it appears to be safe.

It also advised farmers to desist from discarding lit cigarettes, charcoal or firewood without completely extinguishing them with water or burying them safely.

According to RADA, discarding burning materials is prohibited under environmental and forestry regulations.

Farmers are being reminded that open burning, slash-and-burn clearing and unattended fires are strictly prohibited in designated watershed areas.

These include the Rio Cobre, Yallahs Valley, Rio Minho and Hope River.

RADA indicated that these restrictions apply annually from February 1 to October 31.

Farmers are encouraged to monitor their surroundings for signs of smoke or fire, especially during dry periods.

They should report any fire outbreak immediately and alert neighbouring farmers to help protect the wider community.