Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, has announced that the government plans to support farmers on the Rabacca farmlands - specifically, the Orange Hill and Waterloo areas - with the installation of water irrigation systems.

He made the disclosure while responding to a question in Parliament, regarding the distribution of irrigation kits under the UBEC programme.

He confirmed that there is a clear need for improved access to irrigation and that efforts are underway to meet that demand.

Farmers have been encouraged to contact their extension officers, or the Farmers Support Company for assistance.

The Minister also said that the Ministry will be acquiring ten mobile solar-powered water pumps, to further facilitate irrigation efforts.

"There is definitely a need and I spoke to the Permanent Secretary to have a support programme with the Farmers Support Company , so if there are persons who are listening you did not yet set up your drip lines and you need the support you can contact your Extension Officer or the Farmers Support Company so that we can come on farm and provide that assistance.  Part two (2) of the question the Ministry will be obtaining ten (10) Mobile Solar Water Pumps, and these will be connected to tanks to facilitate irrigation and some of the areas we are focusing on Rabacca, Orange Hill and Waterloo as targeted areas and a report is expected to be provided."

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)