§ Mr. Peter Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ensure that spraying, fertilisation and the selection of planting material is adequately carried out by small growers of bananas in Jamaica, so that their fruit may be of good enough quality to be readily saleable.
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§ Mr. J. GriffithsServices to banana growers are provided under the auspices of the Jamaica Government by the All Island Banana Growers' Association and are paid for out of the proceeds of bulk sales of bananas. Particular attention is paid to the needs of small growers, who are using the services in increasing numbers.
The main services are:
- (i) Spraying to control Leaf-spot disease. Instructors are employed to demonstrate methods and encourage growers to spray. Materials and spraying equipment are supplied free to all growers willing to spray.
- (ii) Fertilizer. A soil survey has been carried out. A limited amount of fertilizer is available to every grower at half cost provided he sprays his bananas and practises reasonable soil conservation.
- (iii) Lacatan plants for expanding cultivation are raised and are distributed at controlled prices, priority being given to small growers.