The government of Antigua and Barbuda has begun construction of a major agricultural dam in Bethesda with the capacity to store approximately one million gallons of water, as part of efforts to improve irrigation supplies and increase local food production.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith provided Cabinet with an update on the project during Wednesday’s meeting, outlining the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing programme to construct and rehabilitate dams and ponds across the country.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, said work had commenced on the Bethesda dam on lands currently being used by farmers.
The new facility is expected to provide an important source of water for agricultural activities in the area, helping farmers maintain production and reducing their dependence on rainfall.
According to Merchant, the government is placing particular emphasis on developing water infrastructure in established farming communities where improved access to water can directly support agricultural production.
The Bethesda project forms part of a wider national initiative to increase the number and storage capacity of agricultural dams and ponds available to farmers.
Cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Agriculture is moving aggressively to secure additional resources for the construction and development of water storage facilities, while also strengthening its own agricultural production programme.
The initiative is intended to address one of the challenges facing local farmers: securing a reliable water supply to support crop cultivation.
Water availability remains an important consideration for agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda, where periods of limited rainfall can affect farming operations and crop yields.
By expanding water storage infrastructure, the government hopes to provide farmers with greater flexibility to cultivate crops and maintain production during drier periods.
Merchant said the agriculture minister expressed confidence that sustained investment in water infrastructure, land preparation and other forms of assistance could significantly increase the quantity of food produced locally.
The government has identified expanding domestic agricultural production as an important part of its wider food security efforts, with increased support for farmers expected to help reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.
The Bethesda dam is among the projects being undertaken as the Ministry of Agriculture continues its programme to improve water access in farming districts across the country.
No completion date or construction cost was announced for the project during the briefing.
The government has also indicated that additional resources will be directed toward developing agricultural water storage facilities in other active farming communities as part of its efforts to expand local food production.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua Begins Construction of One-Million-Gallon Agricultural Dam in Bethesda.