July 18, 2011 No. 24/11-BD BARBADOS TO GET CDB LOAN FOR DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION FEASIBILITY STUDY The Government of Barbados is to receive a loan equivalent to USD250,000 from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to undertake a feasibility and design study for an irrigation and drainage system. The project is to be undertaken on approximately 525 acres of agricultural lands owned by the government at River Plantation in the parish of St. Philip. Barbados' agriculture sector has been identified as being critical for development in the government's Medium Term Development Strategy. Sustainable growth in the sector requires investment in irrigation and drainage systems, farmers' adoption of improved production technologies and stronger linkages between production and marketing. The lands at River Plantation, have a unique advantage over several other agricultural lands in Barbados, being close to an abundance of fresh water, but this is partly negated by relatively high flood risk. If properly developed, these lands hold the potential to significantly boost agricultural output. The state-owned Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation will be the executing agency for the project.