OVER 3 000 acres of lands will soon be available for cultivation as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) intensifies works within the West Watooka area.
The works which commenced over a year ago included the clearing and excavation of drainage and irrigation channels.

The excavation of canals which will allow for year-round access to irrigation water from a huge catchment area known as the ‘swamp’ was given the nod of approval by Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder will begin shortly.
These issues were among several which were discussed during an extensive meeting between farmers and Minister Holder who visited the West Watooka farming community recently.

West Watooka is home to some 87 farms, producing the majority of fruits and vegetables consumed by Lindeners. Farmers at the meeting were highly receptive of the minister and his team and spoke lucidly about their challenges.
The agricultural lands in that area are said to be approximately eight feet above the river which serves as a drainage outlet. Irrigation water is sourced from the swamp that lies somewhat uphill for the farms. However, access is constrained due to clogged or silted up canals.

According to the farmers, having the irrigation canals cleared and deepened means irrigation water would be available year-round.
Other issues raised included leases and land titles. Mark Benjamin, a farmer at the Watooka river area, called for the area to be regularised to ensure a reduction of squatting, which he said is now on the increase. Similar sentiments were echoed by several other farmers.

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Flatts, announced that while the study has been completed by the independent consultant, a meeting set for June 13 will be conducted to ensure farmers are made aware of the required changes to ensure they are on board.

The meeting which will look extensively at irrigation will cater for work to be done which might require a re-alignment of existing farms.

“At this meeting, farmers will be given an opportunity to have a look at the maps generated by the consultation with a view to providing information that has so far been provided by the Lands and Surveys Department,” he said.
Suggestions from farmers will be addressed in the final composition of the report laying out the way forward.

Meanwhile, Minister Holder, in speaking about his visit, said the region remains a critical player in the move to take agriculture inland.

He told the farmers of West Watooka that his ministry understands and appreciates the challenges they face and will do everything within its mandate to ensure interventions for the maximisation of productivity and utilisation of all the available lands.
Farmers and residents of West Watooka also asked for assistance in the provision of potable water, Internet service, and improved road network. The problem of wild animals destroying crops was also raised with a plea for assistance.

The meeting was organised by APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford. The minister was accompanied by technical officers within the Ministry of Agriculture, including CEO of the GLDA Nigel Cumberbatch, CEO of the NDIA Frederick Flatts and Director of ASDU, George Jervis, along with other technical officials of the agencies mentioned.