Essex Valley Project to Transform Agriculture, Rural Development 

• The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, says the Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP) will revolutionise farming and rural development in South St. Elizabeth and its environs.
• The project, which is slated for completion in early 2025, will deliver 1,700 cubic metres of water per hour, benefiting more than 700 farmers operating on 810 hectares of land in the Essex Valley region of the parish. By increasing access to irrigation, the project is expected to boost agricultural production and productivity, increase food security, and create a more vibrant and resilient local economy.
• Witter noted that the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service approved a ceiling budget of $4.3Bn in the 2023/2024 financial year for the EVADP land irrigation development, and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, recently committed a further $2Bn.
• One of the key components of the project, Mr. Witter noted, is the installation of a solar plant that will provide the necessary energy to power the irrigation system and other facilities. This renewable energy source, he said, not only aligns with Jamaica’s commitment to sustainability but also ensures that the project remains cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.

(Source: JIS)