In a transformative move for Jamaica’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining officially launched the Parnassus Irrigation System and Agro Park in Clarendon, unlocking over 700 acres of irrigated, arable land and issuing 38 land leases to small farmers, youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
This initiative forms part of the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project and is funded through a GBP17.13 million investment by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), administered through the Caribbean Development Bank, with counterpart support from the Government of Jamaica (GOJ). In addition to securing lands for farmers, the project includes the development of critical infrastructure, including irrigation systems, roadways, and facilities to enable sustainable, year-round agricultural production.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who brought the keynote address, said the project is slated to be completed in 2026 and is a strategic investment in Jamaica’s agricultural infrastructure that will drive productivity.
“We have drilled and developed three new wells that together supply over 9.6 million gallons of water per day to support irrigation. More than 13 kilometres of pipeline and over 12 kilometres of roadways have been completed, along with advanced pumping stations and fire suppression systems,” Dr. Holness highlighted.
He added that a significant element of this initiative is the capacity building of farmers, which he says is the difference between farming to survive, and farming to thrive.
“We are investing in people just as much as we are investing in systems. Already, over 240 farmers have been trained in vegetable crop production, greenhouse technology, pest control, and propagation. A comprehensive marketing plan has been completed to link these farmers directly to commercial opportunities,” he stated.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, who brought remarks, stated that the project presents a solution to the long-standing issue of tenure of land.
“We are not displacing the farmers that were there. We have reserved of the 700 acres, at least half of it, to ensure that the farmers who were there along with youth, women and persons with disabilities have priority access to these lands,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Judith Slater, reaffirmed the United kingdom’s support to Jamaica through the development of agricultural infrastructure.
“As we all know, agriculture is the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, so this project is an important part of the UKCIF portfolio, and beyond that, we are committed to introducing a new matching grant scheme to support low-income farmers” she shared.
The Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project represents a commitment to building a sustainable, climate resilient and inclusive agricultural sector, ultimately making Jamaica more food secure. It is a part of a continued effort of the GOJ to increase the percentage of arable lands under irrigation.
-30-
Copyright © 2025. Government of Jamaica. All rights Reserved.