$89 Million Allocated for Agricultural Projects

Some $89.4 million has been allotted to three projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

They are: the Rural Development project, which has received $39 million; the Lining of Canals Project for which $32.5 million has been allocated; and $17.9 million for the Agricultural Engineering Project.

This is outlined in the 2012/2013 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

The provision for the Rural Development project is to facilitate the maintenance of field and parish offices.

The programme is to facilitate the activities of extension officers of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and allows the granting of subsidies to small farmers in the form of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, tools, equipment, farmhouses and water tanks. These provisions and subsidies will assist in increasing productivity and improving the standard of living of farmers.

For the Lining of Canals project, the allocation is to assist the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) in maintaining its irrigation infrastructure.

Under the Agricultural Engineering Project, the money will be used to facilitate repairs and construction work at the Ministry.

The initiative seeks to provide support services to the Ministry in the areas of building and property maintenance, transport, office management and general services, security and energy that will enhance its capability to carry out its administrative and technical functions.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter