The first Phase of Irrigation Equipment Under the G-CREWS Challenge Fund for Agriculture will benefit over 90 farmers of Grenada.
The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) has made an important announcement about the implementation of the Challenge Fund for Agriculture (CFA), which is an important thing under the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) project. The GDB recently signed a contract with the F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited to claim the advanced machines, such as drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation systems, that would benefit around 90 farmers in Grenada.
The main reason behind the CFA is to promote the adoption of water-efficient solutions that can help the agriculture sector, keeping in mind the issues of climate change. F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited appreciated the Grenada Development Bank for this great opportunity. They also thanked them for the chance to supply important materials to the farmers and promised to make the materials available to the farmers before the end of the year.
Royston Cumberbatch, General Manager of the GDB, signed on behalf of the Bank. At the same time, Nicholson Mahon represented F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited. While this signing event took place, Cumberbatch talked about the importance of agriculture to Grenada’s economy. He said, “Agriculture remains a priority sector of Grenada’s economy, and I fully endorse this program, which will assist our farmers in producing more whilst conserving water.”
So far, water audits of more than 220 farms have been conducted, and project designs have been presented to farmers in each agricultural district starting in 2023. Farmers who have already taken the assessment are being contacted to confirm their readiness to receive and utilize the equipment, which is expected to arrive before the end of 2024. A second batch of farmers will also receive their equipment in the first half of 2025.
Various preparations have been made by the government to help the farmers of the country. It is expected that by the start of next year, farming will be easier with better technology and tools.
The Grenada government gave an update on their official Facebook handle, where they talked about this initiative. They have made sure that all the 90 farmers of Grenada benefit from this scheme so that the country’s agricultural sector can improve. Netizens have also appreciated the government for this important project.
Celia Edwards, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, shared her excitement over this latest achievement. She said, “The primary goal is to enhance food and nutrition security, and by equipping farmers with advanced drip and micro sprinkler irrigation systems, we can promote more efficient water use on farms. Over time, this will improve the ability to cope up with various farming communities in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, helping farmers adapt to extreme conditions such as droughts and rising temperatures.”
