New climate change challenges including heat and drought have further weighed on Seprod’s dairy business, cutting milk production at the start of the summer season by almost half, CEO of the company Richard Pandohie has said.

“This year our milk production has dropped as a result of the heat and drought conditions which have been impacting all areas of agriculture. Whether with animals or plants, this year has been very tough, especially in light of the unprecedented heat and drought conditions,” Pandohie stated.

“During the height of the drought and temperature we experienced, our milk production went down by almost 45 per cent, resulting in losses per month in the region of approximately $50 million,” he further said during an interview with the Jamaica Observer following the manufacturing and distribution company’s 84th annual general meeting held last Wednesday.