Billions Being Invested in Irrigation Projects

The Government is investing billions of dollars in the development of irrigation schemes to improve farmers’ access to water.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in providing details in his 2024/25 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on March 21, said that among the projects is the Southern Plains Irrigation Scheme at a cost of $1.5 billion.

The system will serve Parnassus in Clarendon, and Amity Hall and Bridge Pen in St Catherine, providing access to irrigation water on fallow sugar lands to increase agricultural productivity.

It includes the construction of wells and canal networks and the development of associated agricultural infrastructure.

Three wells have already been drilled.

Turning to other irrigation projects, the Prime Minister said that the Pedro Plains scheme will be designated a National Strategic Project.

He said that the scheme will be “life-changing”, as it will deliver water from Black River in St. Elizabeth to benefit thousands of farmers across communities such as Flagaman, Greenfield, Barbary Hall, Southfield, and Top Hill.

Implementation stage of the project has commenced, and cadastral mapping of all the lands to be impacted is under way.

“A direct result of this work is that over 1,000 titles will be produced this year under the project. A socio-economic baseline farmer survey and global positioning system (GPS) farm tagging are also under way,” the Prime Minister said, noting that the breaking of ground for the commencement of civil works will get under way shortly.

As it relates to the Essex Valley system, he informed that eight wells have been drilled in parts of South Manchester and South St. Elizabeth, five of which produce water.

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

A climate vulnerability assessment, energy audits, and other assessments have also been conducted and hundreds of farmers trained.

A sum of $1.9 billion is being spent to complete the installation of irrigation pipes, fitting, and meters, supply and instal a renewable energy plant to power the irrigation system, and construct storage and distribution facilities.

In addition, as a part of the project, farmers will benefit from the rehabilitation of 27 kilometres of farm roads.