The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) have teamed up to unveil new solar panels at the Beacon E Solar pump station in St Elizabeth, which will help farmers to reduce the cost of producing irrigated water.

The commissioning ceremony took place yesterday (April 12) in the community of Beacon Little Park where farmers are said to benefit from the new efficient water production and distribution system with renewable energy.

Agriculture Minister Pearnel Charles Jr shared that as the Government continues to promote improved productivity through its Grow Smart, Eat Smart campaign they are looking forward to the future transformation of the sector.

“The Beacon E Solar Pump Station will allow the NIC to self-generate approximately 60 per cent of the energy required for the Beacon E Pump Station, resulting in a reduction in the NIC’s energy bill from the Jamaica Public Service Company by approximately $9.5 million or 55 per cent annually,” said the agriculture minister.

Also in attendance was Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for South West St Elizabeth, who proudly stated that Jamaica has some of the best farmers in the world, but one of the biggest challenges they face has to do with the cost of production and one of the biggest expenses for farmers is water.

“We are putting the national irrigation on a more sustainable path while trying to ensure that the farmers see reduction in their costs of production. So this is a massive move today. I’m very very happy that the NIC continues to replace electricity that is used to run their wells and pumps and uses our natural renewable resource. It a big day for the farmers of south west St Elizabeth,” said Green.

The commissioning of the solar pump station comes at a time when Jamaica is celebrating the incredible contributions of farmers to Jamaica’s economic growth and development.

 In 2022, agriculture workers increased their produce of domestic crop from more than 707,000 to more than 846,000 and continue to give positive results.

Earlier in this month Charles Jr had announced that the month of April would be dedicated to the nation’s farmers, with a list of activities planned. Agricultural workers will be celebrated for the entire month which will be observed under the theme ‘GROW SMART, EAT SMART!’

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