The Government has allocated an additional $50 million to its drought-intervention programme to support farmers with water storage and drip irrigation systems.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, made the announcement during a media briefing at the ministry’s office in Kingston on Tuesday, September 22.
Green said the additional funding will help farmers make more efficient use of water as rainfall resumes across the island.
“The rain is coming but we want to ensure that farmers are using the water efficiently,” Green said.
He explained that the Government will procure additional storage tanks and drip irrigation systems, while placing greater emphasis on water conservation and sustainable production.
The minister said the initiative forms part of efforts to increase agricultural production and strengthen food security ahead of the Christmas period.
Green also highlighted the expansion of irrigation infrastructure across the country. He said the irrigation system in Parnassus, Clarendon, has already provided water to approximately 700 acres of farmland.
Meanwhile, the Essex Valley irrigation programme in St Elizabeth is nearing completion, with the first farmers expected to receive water by the end of September.
Green described the project as the largest investment in irrigation undertaken in Jamaica and the Caribbean, saying it will significantly support the country’s food security.
More than 150 farmers have already expressed interest in receiving water through the system, while 40 have applied and paid for the service and are expected to be among the first beneficiaries.
The Government has also provided $5 million in targeted assistance to benevolent societies in the area. The support includes fertiliser, seeds, water and tractor services for land preparation.
Green said the assistance is intended to ensure farmers are ready to plant once the irrigation system becomes operational.
The Government is also seeking to increase production among farmers who already have access to water by helping them expand the acreage they cultivate.
Green pointed to the Amity Hall/Bridge Pen project in St Catherine, where 200 acres of land are being cleared for agricultural production.
He said 22 leases have already been distributed to entrepreneurs, while the Government is clearing the land at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Water is expected to begin flowing to the project within weeks, allowing farmers to start planting as the Government continues efforts to increase food production.
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