Irrigation Infrastructure Being Expanded

The island’s irrigation infrastructure is poised for further expansion, beginning fiscal year 2025/26, thereby increasing the area of agricultural lands under coverage.

This was disclosed by Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, who outlined plans for irrigation expansion across Jamaica while delivering the Throne Speech during the 2025/26 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 13).

Mr. Fuller, who deputised for Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, indicated that the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project implementation will bring 795 hectares under irrigation in 2025/26. He added that other projects in Essex Valley and Pedro Plains are progressing.

Additionally, he said the $7.75-billion Irrigation Development Programme is poised for expansion to cover 2,253 hectares over the next three years.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fuller hailed the agriculture, fisheries and mining sector’s resilience in the face of challenges arising, particularly over the last year.

“The agriculture sector was severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl, but this sector is a symbol of the resilience we have embedded into our economy,” he said.

Mr. Fuller indicated that, in response to the devastation caused by the hurricane, the Government swiftly implemented the $1.4-billion Disaster Recovery Programme.

This initiative provided critical support to more than 30,000 farmers and fishers across key parishes, including St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon and Westmoreland.

The Custos said 24,800 farmers benefited directly from the programme, receiving seeds, fertilisers and technical support to rebuild their farms and livelihoods.

An additional 6,000 beneficiaries were supported through the efforts of the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), Banana Board and National Fisheries Authority (NFA), thereby ensuring comprehensive assistance for the agricultural sector.

Significant progress was also made in relation to roads. Mr. Fuller advised that 98 farm roads were rehabilitated at a cost of $870 million.

He further indicated that $100 million was allocated for backup generators to support irrigation pumps.

The Throne Speech was delivered under the theme ‘Jamaica’s Next Chapter: Aspiring to Greatness’.