The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment and Youth has completed the installation of an essential water storage and distribution system in Blakes Estate, providing much-needed support to approximately 20 farmers operating in the area.
The intervention is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to address key factors of production and create the conditions necessary for farmers to increase and sustain agricultural output across Montserrat.
The newly established system includes five 1,000-gallon water storage tanks, connected through a distribution network designed to provide farmers with improved access to water.
The system is also supported by dams in the surrounding area, strengthening the overall water supply infrastructure for agricultural production.
Speaking about the intervention, farmer Clovis Esberry welcomed the Ministry’s investment. He said that reliable access to water will make a significant difference for farmers and will allow them to produce crops more consistently.
The project was coordinated by Ministry of Agriculture Project Coordinator Joseph Espirit, who, together with two of the Ministry’s skilled young team members, Chase and Oswald, worked diligently to install and establish the storage and distribution system.
The installation represents a practical investment in Montserrat’s agricultural infrastructure, particularly as farmers continue to face challenges associated with reliable water availability.
Minister responsible for Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment and Youth, Hon. John Osborne, said the water distribution project forms part of a wider commitment by the Ministry and the UA administration to increase the factors of production available to local farmers.
The Minister and his team have been advancing initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ access to financial support through the Small Business Loan (SBL) programme, as well as access to arable lands at Silver Hills, Mongo Hill and Waterworks Estate, with Groves Estate expected to be added to the available agricultural lands.
With the addition of improved water access at Blakes Estate, the Ministry is continuing to build the infrastructure needed to support farmers from land preparation through to production.
Minister Osborne said these investments are intended to move Montserrat closer to increased domestic food production and greater access to locally grown produce.
“We are continuing to put the necessary factors of production in place — access to land, access to financing and now improved access to water — so that our farmers can produce more. The goal is simple: to increase our agricultural production so that we can all eat fresher food.”
The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work with farmers and other stakeholders to identify practical interventions that can strengthen agricultural production, improve food security and create greater opportunities for Montserrat’s farming community.