Medina announces solar power to irrigate plantain farms

Tamayo, Dominican Republic.- President Danilo Medina on Sundayauthorized the construction of a storage facility for green banana (plantain) growersin this western town, and the installation of solar panels to irrigate around126 hectares.

After listening to the heads of the farmers association (AUHAPRO)in a surprise visit, Medina said solar panels will power the pump as animmediate solution to the lack of electricity. "The first thing to do ismake money and to make money you have to get this agricultural project goin,and the project cannot be started if there’s no power to sent the water."

"We have to start with the basics. The bottom lineis that moving and pump water from reaching the ground," Medina said, addingthat the pump will let farmers increase plantationsby 126 hectares to grow plantain and other items for the breakfast served inthe local full-day schools.