The number of farmers on record as being affected by hurricane Sandy has increased.
The figure, which was estimated at 11 thousand last week, has now climbed past thirty thousand following a tour by Agriculture Ministry officials of damaged farms in Portland on Monday October 29.
In addition, the Ministry has adjusted the estimate of losses to one point four billion dollars.
State Minister for Agriculture, Ian Hayles, explains that the figure was based on an assessment of damage done to crops and livestock across the island:
Mr Hayles also says there will be no importation of bananas to ease the expected shortage arising from the damage done to the industry by hurricane Sandy.
He believes there is adequate supply in western Jamaica, where the fallout was not as extensive.
He says they will be able to “tap into St James and other parishes to fill the gap.”
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