AMARAH, Iraq - The Maysan Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team and 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will provide agricultural micro-grants to 20 farmers throughout Maysan province.
The project began, Aug. 2, during a meeting held at the Department of Agriculture. The Director General of Agriculture selected farmers from various districts and the Farmer's Union to fill out their grant application packets for $5,000.
"The grants will provide farmers throughout Maysan province with the opportunity to improve yield of their harvests and will expand the agricultural development of the province," said 2nd Lt. Abe Payne, Maysan provincial project manager, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.
The grants will be used for implementing green houses projects, drip irrigation systems, seeds, and pesticides.
Drip irrigation is widely recognized as one of the most efficient uses of water for crops. This system will maximize water usage and conservation by focusing the water to exactly where the plants are growing with a series of hoses, valves and pipes.
With these affordable elements in place, farmers can shift from subsistence production to high-value production for commercial sale, in addition to their own personal food supply.