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, Cumberbatch emphasised 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 microsprinkler 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 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 utilise the equipment, which is expected to arrive before the end of 2024. A second batch of farmers is 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.
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