ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Ministry of Agriculture is moving to modernise the country’s farming sector with the arrival of new heavy-duty equipment and the upcoming opening of a high-tech plant laboratory in Bethesda.
Director of Communications Maurice Merchant said Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith recently visited the St John’s Deep Water Harbour to oversee the release of specialised machinery that will be used to support farming activities.
The equipment will assist farmers with land clearing and the maintenance of water catchments and irrigation dams.
At the same time, the government is preparing to commission a new tissue culture laboratory in Bethesda next week.
The facility will focus on producing disease-free, high-quality planting material to support agricultural development.
The merchant said the laboratory will play a key role in strengthening the country’s food security strategy by increasing crop production and improving plant quality.
Officials say the initiative combines modern farming equipment with scientific research to boost agricultural output, reduce dependence on imported planting materials, and improve the competitiveness of local produce in regional and international markets.
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