Over 90 Farmers To Benefit From First Phase Of Irrigation Equipment Under The G-CREWS Challenge Fund For Agriculture

The Grenada Development Bank (GDB) has  reached a significant milestone in the implementation of the Challenge Fund for Agriculture (CFA), a key component under the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS)  project. The GDB recently signed a contract with F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited  for the procurement of advanced drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation systems to benefit  approximately 90 farmers. The main aim of the CFA is to promote the adoption of water  efficient solutions which can help boost the agriculture sector in light of climate change  impacts.

Royston Cumberbatch, General Manager of the GDB, signed on behalf of the Bank, while  Nicholson Mahon represented F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited. Speaking on the  occasion of the signing, Mr. Cumberbatch emphasized the importance of agriculture to  Grenada’s economy. He highlighted that “Agriculture remains a priority sector of Grenada’s  economy and I fully endorse this programme, which will assist our farmers in producing more  whilst conserving water”.

F&N Farm Supplies and Sourcing Limited recorded their appreciation to the Grenada  Development Bank for the opportunity to supply these critical materials to the farmers and  gave their commitment to have the material available to the farmers before year end.

Irrigation Technician in the Land Use Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Celia  Edwards 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 bolster resilience across various farming communities in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite  Martinique, helping farmers adapt to extreme conditions such as droughts and rising  temperatures.”

Thus far, water audits of more than two hundred and twenty (220) farms were conducted with  the presentation of project designs to farmers in each Agricultural District commencing in  2023. Farmers who have already undergone 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 are earmarked to receive their equipment within the first  quarter of 2025.

The CFA is one of the critical outputs of the G-CREWS project, which aims to create efficiency  among commercial water users. Jointly financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the  German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and  Consumer Protection (BMUV) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI), and the  Government of Grenada, this component of the project is being implemented by the GDB in  close collaboration with the GIZ and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.