Shelly Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Dr Christopher Tufton (right), the minister of agriculture, is accompanied by Natalie Gordon as he toured a section of a burnt-out farm in Big Woods, St Elizabeth, yesterday. Some 120 hectares of farmland and livestock were destroyed in Big Woods and surrounding areas on Tuesday in a fire that was reportedly set by the Narcotics police who were on a ganja eradication drive in the parish. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Minister of Agriculture, Dr Christopher Tufton, is claiming that the existing ganja eradication programme, as carried out by the security forces, will continue to fail until those cultivating the weed are provided with alternatives for economic survival.

Tufton was yesterday addressing farmers at the Big Woods Primary School in the parish, whose crops were damaged by fire during an alleged ganja eradication operation by the Narcotics police.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority has estimated that 120 hectares of land were damaged, inclusive of 64 hectares of crops. In addition, some 64 goats were killed and at least 87 farmers were affected. The approximate loss has been estimated at $26 million.

Livelihood in some communities

The agriculture minister, who is also member of parliament for South West St Elizabeth, said there were a number of communities within the constituency and throughout Jamaica in which, if it were not for the cultivation of marijuana, residents could not send their children to school.

"It is the main stay of the livelihood of many communities and, without marijuana, they wouldn't be able to survive," he said.

Tufton called on the relevant authorities to implement a project to accompany the eradication programme, which would offer some alternatives to ganja farming.

In addressing the farmers, Tufton insisted that an independent investigation be carried out.

He has also requested of the Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and Minister of National Security Derrick Smith that no member of the eradication team be part of the independent investigation.

The minister has also appealed to anyone who may have information about the incident to pass it on to the police.

Tufton will be meeting early next week with the affected farmers to determine some interim compensation.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com