Farmers in Agro Parks at Ebony Park, Clarendon, to Benefit from Improved Irrigation

More than 100 farmers within agro parks in Ebony Park, Clarendon, are to benefit from improved irrigation infrastructure and equipment for their crops, thereby minimising agricultural output loss.

This will be facilitated through a $106-million contract for the implementation of the Agro-Investment Corporation irrigation Transmission Force Main and Equipping project, which was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Hope Gardens offices in St. Andrew, on April 11.

Work on installation of the irrigation system is slated to commence in May and will run for six months and aims to strengthen climate resilience and enhance agricultural outputs.

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), through the second Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II), will be investing a total of $106 million to facilitate the installation of 1.8 kilometres of a Force Transmission main and a pump switch gear, which aims to bring 93 acres of highly fertile farmland within the Ebony Park Agro Park into full production.

Additionally, it will benefit investors operating on approximately 950 acres at the Spring Plains and Mango Agro Parks.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, hailed the project as transformative, noting that it holds the promise of enhancing the country’s agricultural productivity and fostering economic growth.

“Today is a very big day for agriculture in Jamaica. It’s a big day for the Government, it’s a big day for various agencies, but more importantly, it is a big day for the farmers in Ebony Park, Clarendon,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the funding agency, World Bank, for their unwavering support and commitment to agricultural development in the country.

Managing Director, JSIF, Omar Sweeney, said the intervention is timely, considering the drought conditions in Jamaica, the region and the world.

“It is such a timely intervention, and more than anything else it will mitigate against agricultural output loss, estimated at 1,500,000 kilograms of produce. It is not just related to the increase in productivity but it is also to minimise losses. Collaboratively, we have come up with a solution that we think will be a first step,” he said.

Director, Finance and Corporate Planning, National Irrigation Commission, Lillian Smith, said with improved irrigation infrastructure, farmers will enjoy a reliable and consistent water supply, leading to increased yields, enhanced crop quality and greater agricultural productivity.

“This not only fosters empowerment and prosperity within our farming communities but also contributes to overall economic growth and stability in Jamaica,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer, Agro-Investment Corporation, Vivion Scully, said the parks boast a thriving community of just over 80 investors/farmers, including 18 youth, 13 enterprising women and 68 male-led businesses.

“Their collective efforts have yielded remarkable results and with production levels soaring over the last production period of over 511,269 kilograms of produce valued at above $100 million during our last fiscal period, we’re looking for even greater results with this project,” he informed.

Programme Lead, The World Bank Group, Emre Ozaltin, said the World Bank is proud to support the second Rural Economic Development Initiative, which aims to enhance access to markets and climate-resilient approaches.

“The World Bank is honoured to support the Agro Investment Corporation as they launch this important contract supporting the future of climate-smart farming in Jamaica. I very much look forward to the continued fruitful partnership with the Jamaican Government and the Jamaican people in these sectors and beyond,” he said.