60 Gravity Drip Irrigation Systems to be Installed

A total of 60 gravity drip irrigation systems are to be installed and commissioned this fiscal year, to improve agricultural outcomes in targeted communities.

A sum of $110.4 million has been set aside in the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure to carry out this and other activities under the Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector and Coastal Areas project.

The aim of the project is to increase livelihoods by improving the security of the population in targeted communities and the overall climate resilience of the agricultural sector.

The project also intends to install and make operational 10 rainwater harvesting systems and 15 small-scale irrigation and productivity schemes;  eight Water User Groups (WUGs) will be established/rehabilitated; and four Land Husbandry Farmer Field Schools will be established.

In addition, 30 extension officers will be trained in Train the Trainers land husbandry; 80 production and productivity grants will be approved and implemented; and 50 land husbandry grants will be approved and implemented.

Physical achievements under the project up to December, 2015  included: 103 small scale gravity drip irrigation systems installed and put into operation; eight rain water harvesting system established and commissioned; and 30 extension officers trained  in climate smart land and water management techniques.

In addition, a baseline survey was conducted, and baseline indicators established and recorded and report approved/accepted as per contract; and two consultants were contracted to design small scale rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, with funding from the Adaptation Fund and the Government of Jamaica.  It was originally slated to run from October, 2012 to March, 2016. Following an extension, it is now scheduled to end in December, 2017.