HERMITAGE, St Ann– Fifteen farmers in this rural community now have a much better chance of success after receiving drip irrigation systems that will provide water even during the most severe drought.

"I go through a very rough time with the dry weather other day, and I didn't really get anything from the crops to sell. I had to carry a lot of water on my head sometimes to water them and it wasn't easy at all," Kevin Sheerwood told the Jamaica Observer.

He has been a farmer in Hermitage, St Ann, for more than a decade. He usually plants cabbage along with sweet and hot peppers.

"I'm happy for this drip irrigation to start because I wouldn't be able to purchase one for myself anytime soon. Now I know my plants will get the water when they need it," a grateful Sheerwood added.

The US$16,000 system is the second phase of a Sandals Foundation project being implemented as part of its mandate to develop a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector in Jamaica by improving the capacity of farmers in the Hermitage area.

In phase one, which ended last November, 17 farmers were provided with useful tips on marketing, land preparation techniques along with guidance on crop selection based on soil tests conducted by the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA), Newport Fersan and H&L who were also part of the initiative.

In addition, the farmers received seeds, seedlings and organic fertiliser to produce new crops.

Deputy agricultural manager for St Ann, Kirk Evans anticipates increased efficiency now that farmers have been provided with this level of support.

"This gift will allow the farmers to have a sustainable production throughout the year, especially in the dry time. They will have something to store water and supply water and nutrients to their crops on a consistent basis, so this will improve their lives and overall the productivity in the area," he predicted.

"I hope Sandals will spread their wings to benefit other communities around the parish," Evans added.

In addition to the drip irrigation infrastructure supplied by Isratech Limited, water tanks and concrete stands on which to place them were also built on each farmer's property.

"I feel nice about this because when the place dry it's terrible and normally we have to be sourcing water all about. But with the drip irrigation things will be easier for us. All we have to do is take care of it and maintain everything," Howard told the Observer.

In addition to the physical material, several in-depth training sessions were also conducted to educate farmers about the importance of drip irrigation systems and the technical aspects of the infrastructure it uses.

Akera Davis - Observer Writer