Essex Valley Project to Transform Agriculture, Rural Development – Witter

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, says the Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP) will revolutionise farming and rural development in South St. Elizabeth and its environs.

The project, which is slated for completion in early 2025, will deliver 1,700 cubic metres of water per hour, benefiting more than 700 farmers operating on 810 hectares of land in the Essex Valley region of the parish.

By increasing access to irrigation, the project is expected to boost agricultural production and productivity, increase food security, and create a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

“Many see the Essex Valley project as a long-awaited opportunity to modernise agricultural practices, increase yields, and improve overall living standards in the region. The project represents a significant step forward in Jamaica’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, enhance food security and empower rural communities,” Mr. Witter said.

He was addressing a recent townhall at Comma Pen in the parish, where he assured residents that the project was “well on the way to fruition”.

He noted that the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service approved a ceiling budget of $4.3 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year for the EVADP land irrigation development, and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, recently committed a further $2 billion “signalling the importance of the project and the Government’s commitment to seeing it through”.

Mr. Witter said that the EVADP will have a “transformative impact” on agriculture, fisheries, and mining, providing new opportunities for growth and development.

One of the key components of the project, Mr. Witter noted, is the installation of a solar plant that will provide the necessary energy to power the irrigation system and other facilities.

This renewable energy source, he said, not only aligns with Jamaica’s commitment to sustainability but also ensures that the project remains cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.

Mr. Witter informed that the Ministry has been actively working on the construction of other essential facilities that will support the Essex Valley project, including storage units, processing plants and distribution centres, all of which are vital to ensuring the success and sustainability of the initiative.

He said that the Ministry is pleased that local farmers and community members have been patient with the project’s progress, expressing optimism about the positive changes it will bring to their lives and livelihoods.

Mr. Witter noted that while there have been some delays, “I am convinced that the benefits will far outweigh the difficulties encountered during the implementation and that it is a critical investment in the future of Jamaica’s agricultural sector”.