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By Azara Lavia
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More than 30,000 seedlings have been distributed to small-scale and backyard farmers across Antigua and Barbuda as part of efforts to boost domestic food production and strengthen food security.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. said the initiative was the government’s largest seedling donation to date and is intended to encourage more households to grow their own food.
The distribution formed part of activities marking World Food Day, which was observed on Friday, 16 October, under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow”.
The seedlings included eggplants, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, beans, melons, Chinese cabbage, herbs and spices.
“Under this year’s World Food Day theme, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow’, we joined farmers, educators, students and partners to distribute more than 30,000 seedlings, our largest donation yet,” Smith said.
“Eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, beans, melons, Chinese cabbage, herbs and spices are going to small-scale and backyard farmers, helping more households grow what they eat.”
Smith also pointed to the country’s food import bill as the government seeks to increase domestic production, particularly in the livestock sector.
He said Antigua and Barbuda spends about $150 million annually importing livestock products and outlined plans for new processing facilities to support local producers.
“A nation that feeds itself is a nation that’s more secure. By producing more locally, we reduce what we spend on imports, including about $150 million in livestock products each year,” Smith said.
“New poultry, pork and small ruminant abattoirs will help our livestock farmers meet more of that demand right here at home.”
The minister also encouraged farmers to register with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division.
“I encourage all farmers to register with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division to help us direct resources, infrastructure and technical support where they’re needed most,” Smith said.
The initiative forms part of efforts to increase domestic agricultural production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.