Farmers feeling the pinch in sections of Clarendon

The second staging of the Rock River Mango and Sorrel Festival saw a flurry of activities, with local entrepreneurs getting the opportunity to showcase their produce.

Creativity was the name of the game as displays ranged from mango wine to gungo wine, and included fashion designs, turmeric seasoning, and other goodies.

But the one thing many came to see was noticeably absent - mangoes - and in particular 'Millies', for which the community is popular for.

President of the Gwango Affiliated Farmers Group, Uton Nelson, said the drought has been harsh on farmers and he blames climate change for the missing commodity.

"Mangoes are not bearing as well as it should. Climate change is wreaking havoc in this area. We need someone to come in and sit down and know our pain," he told CENTRAL STAR.

Nelson said the drought has been taking a toll on farmers in his group, including himself. He lost heavily on the melons he planted, as the sun burnt up the stems.

He said Rock River used to produce the most sorrel in Jamaica, but that, too, was in short supply last Friday.

"Right now we are just producing 10 per cent of what we used to, where sorrel is concerned," he said.

According to Nelson, their woes are increased because of an insufficient supply of water.

"I try my best to find people to talk to regarding getting help for the group, but got nowhere. It is rather frustrating for me, as I'm just a volunteer," he said.

It is a bleak outlook for Nelson and the more than 50 farmers, as he said he has no idea what the year will bring.

The festival, which should have been an opportunity for them to sell their crops, saw more buyers than sellers.

"More has to be done, whether from RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) or JAS (Jamaica Agricultural Society), but sometimes I just feel like giving up and not bothering with this thing," he said.

But Nelson said farming is too much in his blood, and that is the motivation that sees him trying time and time again.