The project began during a meeting held at the Iraqi Department of Agriculture, Aug.2, when the Director General of Agriculture invited farmers from various districts to apply for these $5,000 grants.

"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 Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

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.