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The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging farmers across the island to harvest mature crops ahead of tropical storm Melissa, to minimise loss.

In an interview with JIS News, Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with RADA, Francine Webb, said at this time, fields will be in various stages of production.

“If you have crops that are near maturity, especially with your vegetables, you want to make sure you harvest…[to reduce] food-safety challenges. Anything that you have that’s near maturity, you want to be able to take those off and either take...

Farmers across the island are being urged to look out for diseases that can affect their crops following tropical storm Melissa.

Heavy rainfall creates ideal conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive, damaging crops and causing setbacks to the productivity of fields.

Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Francine Webb, said the Authority is reminding farmers to apply fungicide treatments when the event has passed.

“The conditions for disease involve having the pathogen, suitable crop, and the favourable...

The Meteorological Services has issued latest Severe Weather Alert effective until 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025. In the event that conditions become favorable for the development of a Tropical Storm or Cyclone, the RADA is advising farmers to make necessary preparations for minimizing impacts of flooding and wind damage. These include the following:

Advisory to Crop Farmers

o Clear drains to allow free flow of water to prevent flooding and stagnation following
o Harvest crops where practical
o Check your surroundings and buildings for danger of fallen...