Jamaica urged to overhaul irrigation system for stronger food security

THE EDITOR, Madam: Rising tensions in the Middle East have pushed several nations to look again at how secure their food supplies are. Similar concerns surfaced during the global pandemic and amid the fighting in Europe.

From my experience working on irrigation initiatives across Africa, I have seen how dependable water systems can lift agricultural output in a major way. That is why the prime minister's recent indication that only about 16 to 20 per cent of Jamaica's arable land has access to reliable irrigation is deeply troubling.

After nearly 40 years of operation, the national irrigation agency has still extended service to under one-fifth of the country's farmable lands, despite billions of dollars in subsidies. That performance is not acceptable.

Jamaica needs an urgent rethink of how irrigation is planned and delivered. If the country is serious about food security and long-term agricultural resilience, the leadership structure responsible for irrigation also needs to be changed.

Farming affects every Jamaican, whatever their social position or beliefs. When farmers are not given the essential support they require, the country's future stability is put at risk. Reliable water is among the most basic needs in agriculture.

There can be no justification for such limited irrigation coverage when a dedicated agency has existed for four decades to improve the supply of irrigated water. Rather than dwell on excuses or blame, Jamaica must move ahead with the work. The farmers deserve far better.

FARMER ANDY