Each of the irrigation system consists of a five-horsepower gas pump equipped with a foot valve and suction hose, valued at $30,307, as well as distribution pipelines at a cost of $36,635.

Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke, who presided over the handing-over ceremony held at the Cooperative's headquarters in Elim, said that the donation was in keeping with the ministry's new agricultural development strategy which sought to reduce or remove many of the constraints faced by farmers in the local agriculture sector.

"Through this programme, we will further strengthen the sector by applying modern methods, which will radically transform agriculture as we know it. Please note that the farmers who are benefiting today have for a long time called for assistance with irrigation, as for many years, many of their crops have perished whenever there are periods of drought, and that this happens in spite of the fact that a river runs through the area," the agriculture minister said.

The irrigation equipment, he said, was not just another hand-out as each farmer was required to ensure that the equipment was in good working order for the next three years.

"After this time, the pumps and fixturea are yours. Do not make the mistake of not sticking to your side of the bargain, which is to go out and farm. RADA will be authorised to monitor the use of the equipment during the contract period," said Clarke.

Farmer Mervin Edwards, who responded on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the ministry for the kind gesture, which he said would serve to boost production in Elim.
"We intend to make sure that this investment is not wasted. We will protect our pumps," he said.

Each farm on which the system will be established ranges in size from 3.5 to 5.5 acres on which a mixture of crops such as hot peppers, sweet potato, melon, sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, corn and callaloo is normally cultivated.