St. Mary Farmers See Hope as New Irrigation Project Brings Water to Dry Lands

Farming in Jamaica has never been easy, but for the farmers of St. Mary, the past few years have been a real struggle. The dry season hit hard, and many small farmers watched their crops wither in the sun. But now, a new irrigation project is bringing fresh water to over 200 acres of farmland in the community of Retrieve, and the mood is changing.

The project, which started in February this year, is a joint effort between the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). It cost roughly J$15 million and includes two new pump stations, a half-mile of mainline pipe, and a series of feeder lines that now deliver water directly to individual farms.

One of the farmers benefiting is Mr. Owen "Bushie" Williams, who has been farming yam and dasheen on his five-acre plot for over 20 years. He told our news team that the difference is like night and day.

"Mi nuh have to beg God fi rain no more. The water come right to mi gate. Before, mi used to lose half mi crop every dry season. Now, mi can plant all year round and send mi produce to the market regular. It a give mi a steady income and mi children can go to school without worry."

The system uses drip irrigation, which means water goes straight to the roots of the plants. This saves water and helps the crops grow faster. Farmers are already reporting that their yam harvest has increased by about 30% since the water started flowing in March.

But it's not just about water. RADA extension officer, Miss Sandra Campbell, says the project also includes training for farmers on how to use the new system properly. She explained that many farmers were used to just waiting for the rain, so they had to learn how to manage the pipes and schedule their watering times.

"We have about 35 farmers in this cooperative right now. They are learning how to maintain the pumps and how to rotate their crops to keep the soil healthy. It's not just a pipe in the ground; it's a whole new way of farming," Miss Campbell said.

The project is expected to expand to another 100 acres in the nearby community of Kent by the end of the year. RADA says they are also looking at similar systems for farmers in St. Elizabeth and Clarendon, where drought is also a major problem.

For now, the farmers in Retrieve are focusing on the present. They are planting more scallion, pak choi, and sweet potato, knowing the water will be there when they need it. The next step is to get a better road into the farming area so that trucks can come and take the produce to the markets in Kingston and Ocho Rios without breaking down.

So, what's the takeaway for other farmers? If you are struggling with water in your area, reach out to your local RADA office. Ask about community irrigation projects and cooperative water systems. Sometimes, a little planning and a group effort can turn a dry patch of land into a thriving farm.

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