Members of Parliament (MPs) were given the job of identifying the beneficiaries of a $30.5 million production-incentive programme aimed at boosting livestock pro-duction in the agricultural sector.

Concerns were raised recently by some agricultural stakeholders as to how many farmers had benefited from the programme that was announced by Minister of Agriculture Dr Christopher Tufton in January.

Al Powell, executive director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), told The Sunday Gleaner that MPs had instructed the agency on the input supplies required, in keeping with the programme's objective.

Powell said farm supplies valued at $23.2 million had been allocated to 5,100 farmers under the programme, which was primarily aimed at boosting chicken rearing.

Technical support

RADA also provided technical support and monitored the programme.

"Several MPs are slow in utilising the funds," said Powell.

"To this extent, letters were recently sent to all MPs encouraging them to access the fund at a faster rate," he added.