Ministry of Agriculture Staff receives training by CARDI

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Barbuda Affairs has engaged the assistance of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to conduct training sessions with technical staff within the Ministry. Nine (9) participants will be trained over a five (5) day period commencing from Monday 7th March and concludes on Friday 11th March 2022 at CARDI.

This workshop has a two-tier component, which includes both theoretical and practical training.  Under the theoretical training, information will be disseminated on topics such as Climate Change, Genetic Conservation & Risk Management, and Sustainable Agriculture.

Practical training will include; Seed Production & Management (hot pepper, corn, pumpkin, table squash, eggplant) , Climate Smart Agriculture and Knowledge Management (improved technology and techniques), Genetic Conservation and Risk Management (seed bank, germplasm, adaptation and mitigation measures, planning and management), Collaborative Work (partnerships and strategic alliances) and Project Oasis (increasing capacity to help others).

It is expected that once trained and upon return to their various departments the trained staff members would further impart the knowledge and training received during the five days session to their co-workers and apply certain techniques in the field.

CARDI representative for Antigua and Barbuda, Paul Lucas pledges his support to the Ministry of Agriculture with the aim of improving the sector and food security in the nation.

“CARDI will do its part to help support the Ministry and their efforts to advance agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda. This collaborative initiative is expected to build the capacity of participants from the Ministry by improving their knowledge and abilities,” Mr. Lucas explains.

It is the desire of the Ministry to have additional training sessions like this led by CARDI for more members of staff at a later date.