A preliminary estimate of the devastation suffered by farmers affected by yesterday’s bush fire in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, is in excess of $100 m.

The fire ravaged some two hundred acres of farm lands, and destroyed drip irrigation equipment.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)  says close to one hundred farmers, have been affected.

Rada has been conducting preliminary assessment since yesterday, to determine the extent of the losses.

Rada Parish Manager for St. Elizabeth Nathan Samuels says some fields destroyed were under production, while others had inputs, as they were being prepared for cultivation.

Mr. Samuels says, estimates and damage assessments will continue into next week, to ensure all affected farmers receive assistance.

He says a tour is being planned for next week, involving representatives of the agriculture ministry, Rada, and other stakeholders.