In a significant move to transform agricultural capabilities, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith has unveiled the establishment of a specialized heavy-duty equipment division within the Ministry of Agriculture. The groundbreaking initiative represents a multi-million dollar investment aimed at directly addressing critical infrastructure challenges facing the nation’s farming sector.
The newly formed department will operate a comprehensive fleet of machinery including excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rollers, and transport trucks. This strategic acquisition eliminates previous dependencies on the Ministry of Works, granting the agriculture sector autonomous control over essential land development operations.
Minister Smith emphasized the transformative potential of these resources during his parliamentary address. “This modern equipment arsenal will enable us to independently mine construction materials, construct and maintain farm access roads, develop water retention ponds, and execute large-scale land clearing operations,” he stated.
The infrastructure expansion includes the imminent arrival of four new tractors currently undergoing final preparations. These additions will substantially enhance land preparation services available to farmers nationwide.
The initiative specifically targets perennial obstacles in agricultural productivity including soil management challenges, transportation limitations, and water accessibility issues. By establishing this dedicated machinery division, the government aims to create foundational infrastructure that attracts private investment while ensuring sustainable sector growth.
Smith characterized the investment as a cornerstone development for long-term agricultural security. “Building robust infrastructure within agriculture isn’t merely about immediate efficiency gains—it’s about ensuring decades of growth by making strategic investments in our foundational capabilities,” he concluded.