Production Across All Sectors Recorded Major Decreases

Jacqueline Sabal

The primary sector contracted by twenty point two percent during the second quarter of the year, from eighty point six million to seventy point eight million dollars.  Sugarcane production declined considerably by fourteen percent and this is due to the 2019 drought which affected harvesting. Livestock production fell by thirty-six point nine percent.

Jacqueline Sabal, Statistician II

“In terms of agriculture Sugarcane product declined as dry weather conditions in 2019 and early 2020 affected crops harvested during this second quarter period. Deliveries dropped from eight hundred and sixty point seven thousand metric tons in the second quarter of 2019 to seven hundred and forty thousand metric tons in the second quarter of 2020.In the case of banana production more favourable weather conditions resulted in improved plant health and development. This coupled in an increase of acreage contributed to a twelve point one percent increased in banana output. As it relates to citrus production dry weather conditions affected citrus fruit crops which were slow to maturity this year resulting in an extending harvesting period. Subsequently fruit deliveries increase by one point three percent.  Looking at the livestock industry, production fell by thirty six point nine percent as all live stock commodities recorded a decrease. Cattle production declined by sixty eight point nine percent. Poultry production by twenty nine point four percent and pig production fell by sixteen percent.”

The fishing industry also saw a sharp decrease; it went down by forty-nine point one percent in output.