The boom in loans has been traced to the ministry's Agri-Investment Expo held in March.

The exposition, which was investment-focused, gave participants an opportunity to learn about viable business ventures in agriculture, as well as the support services available through the Agro-Investment Corporation to facilitate bankable projects in the sector.

Hershel Brown, who is tipped to head the ministry's new investment entity, has revealed that in the area of mixed farming, projects valued at $22 million are in the pipeline for approval by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

Pig rearing, which Brown said has generated significant interest, has seen four new projects valued at approximately $20 million being developed and packaged for approval.

Another four projects valued at some $8.2 million have been developed for agro-entrepreneurs in the bee farming subsector, he said.

Combined, the 28 projects will provide employment for 114 individuals - 73 permanent workers and 41 part-timers.

More potential investors are also poised to benefit, as another 21 business plans spanning key subsectors are close to completion and are shortly to be submitted to the DBJ and commercial banks for approval.

Brown projects that within the next four months. another 50 queries will be assessed for viability.