Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green, has commissioned into service the upgraded $32-million Ebony Park irrigation facility in Southern Clarendon.

Speaking at the ceremony on February 24, Green reported that the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) solar retrofitted system will self-generate 75 per cent of the required energy for the pump station, resulting in a 43 per cent or $4.8-million annual reduction in operational costs for its service to 172 farmers in the area.

He pointed out that the project is one of five solar systems that have been completed by the NIC, which is a “deliberate intention to increase its use of renewable energy and limit environmental pollution”.

“We expect that there will be reduction in carbon emissions by 145 metric tonnes,” the Minister said.

He told the audience that the Government is on a move to ensure that “our irrigation systems” are environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they are “critical to agriculture” and can be a major force to mitigate the effects of climate change.

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