200 South St. Elizabeth Farmers Receive Land Titles as Government Breaks Ground on Landmark Pedro Plains Irrigation Project
July 15, 2025 | Jamaica Live News Desk
ST. ELIZABETH, Jamaica – In a milestone event for Jamaica’s agricultural sector, 200 small farmers in South St. Elizabeth are now proud landowners, having received their official land titles during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pedro Plains Irrigation Expansion Project on Thursday, July 10.
The ceremony marked the beginning of one of the most transformative agricultural infrastructure projects in Jamaica’s history—an initiative designed to boost food security, strengthen climate resilience, and support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in one of the island’s most productive regions.
“This is a truly historic moment for Jamaican agriculture,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “For generations, our farmers have struggled with access to reliable irrigation. Today, we are not just promising solutions—we are delivering them.”
A Game-Changer for the Food Belt
According to Prime Minister Holness, the project is substantial, with an estimated cost of 26 billion dollars. The Pedro Plains Irrigation Expansion Project will harness water from the Black River and convey it through an advanced system comprising three large reservoirs, numerous pumping stations, and a state-of-the-art network of water mains and laterals. The design ensures that farmers will have reliable access to water, enabling them to cultivate crops throughout the year and enhance their yields.
What makes the project even more revolutionary is its integration of renewable energy. A nine-megawatt solar power system will operate the irrigation network, reducing long-term operational costs and aligning with the country’s broader sustainability goals.
“This is a comprehensive, modern solution to a long-standing problem,” the Prime Minister noted. “Previous administrations have made promises, but this government is setting a new standard—we are not just good at articulating plans; we are executing them.”
Empowering Farmers with Ownership and Opportunity
Alongside the infrastructural development, the government’s distribution of land titles signals a new era of empowerment for small farmers. Legal ownership not only provides personal security and pride but also opens the door to financing, investment, and long-term planning.
The Pedro Plains area, long recognized as a vital food source for Jamaica, now stands poised to evolve into a national model of modern, sustainable farming.
The Vision Realized
“Jamaica has always had big thinkers and strong ideas,” Prime Minister Holness concluded. “But for too long, we’ve struggled with implementation. Today, we break ground not just on an irrigation system—but on a new chapter of action, ambition, and achievement for rural Jamaica.”
The Pedro Plains Irrigation Expansion Project is set to be a flagship initiative in the government’s ongoing effort to transform rural communities, uplift farmers, and secure Jamaica’s agricultural future.