$1.9 Billion for Essex Valley Irrigation Programme

Approximately $1.9 billion has been allocated to continue work under the Essex Valley Irrigation Infrastructure Development Programme in the upcoming fiscal year.

Details of the provision are contained in the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, which was recently tabled in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.

Implemented in April 2017, the programme aims to assist in the achievement of food security and the modernisation of the agricultural sector by increasing the area under formal irrigation in St. Elizabeth by 50 per cent.

This through the construction of wells and development of associated agricultural infrastructure to boost crop production in the arable Essex Valley area.

Among the programme’s targets for 2024/25 are: completing installation of irrigation pipes, fittings and meters; supplying and installing renewable energy plant to power the irrigation system; and constructing agricultural buildings.

Work will also commence on the supply and installation of pumps and equipment.

Additionally, the Essex Valley and Southern Plains Agricultural Development Projects Area operational plan will be developed; and there will be continued engagement and support for community-based organisations, including vulnerable groups.

There have been several achievements under the programme up to December 2023.

These include the drilling of eight wells with five producing water.

In addition, a cadastral survey of the area has been undertaken, and a socio-economic baseline survey completed.

A climate vulnerability assessment and energy audit of the National Irrigation Corporation (NIC) and the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) have also been undertaken.

A global CAP assessment, and training and certification of farm assurers were also carried out.

The Essex Valley Irrigation Infrastructure Development Programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining with co-funding from the Government of Jamaica and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

It is slated to end in September 2025, with an additional $2.1 billion earmarked to undertake activities in fiscal year 2025/26, if necessary.