JBRP brings money-saving sand filter to more farms in Jamaica

A key element of the Jamaica Business Recovery Program’s (JBRP) horticulture package is the use of low-cost drip irrigation ― and now, with Fintrac’s help, more small farmers are benefiting.

Drip irrigation can help traditionally rain-fed farmers by providing easier fertilization, improved soil and water management, and by making it possible for producers to raise several crops per year under a “calendarized” system of production.

At the heart of the drip irrigation package is the sand filter. The filter makes it possible to utilize water from natural sources such as rivers and ponds by filtering out materials that clog the system and disrupt drip flow.

However, sand filters are costly ― about $810 ― and can steer small- and medium-sized farmers away from investing in drip irrigation. To make drip systems more accessible to small and medium-sized farmers, JBRP has trained irrigation experts, engineers and metal workers in the construction of low-cost sand filters. Today, locally-manufactured filters are available for about half the cost, around $400.

In order to provide first-hand knowledge of the locally-made filters, JBRP facilitated a trip to Honduras for two officers of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) irrigation unit and a local engineer, so they could see the technology in use on farms assisted by the USAID-funded CDA project.

“The Honduras experience helped me realize how these improved technologies can improve Jamaica’s production,” said Albert Percival Francis, owner of Alframec, Ltd., one of the engineering companies now building the sand filters in Jamaica. “I am truly excited about the project and how this approach will make the technologies affordable to small farmers.”

Following the visit to Honduras, JBRP brought Jorge Caceres, a Honduran sand filter expert, to Jamaica to hold a series of trainings in sand filter construction.

“The sand filter expert was very professional and open with information. I am confident we will benefit with this knowledge,” said Downie Walker, a JBRP lead client from Clarendon, who will also be manufacturing the sand filters.

On September 18, several newly constructed filters were installed on JBRP demonstration farms in areas of Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth, where water is typically sourced from rivers and ponds and is of low-quality.

“For someone just adopting the drip irrigation system, this is a great way to reduce initial outlay costs,” said Clover Laguerre, from the RADA irrigation unit.