Soil Doctor Programme continues
The organizers, facilitators and the management of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) are very pleased about the continuation of the Soil Doctor Programme in Antigua. The week of November 20th, which was the aftermath of the official FOA Soil Doctor training for the MOA staff was the commencement of the training of local farmers and other agricultural technicians.
On Tuesday 21st November, the first batch of farmers in the South-west District were introduced and trained in four of the seven areas of the Soil Doctor’s programme by Soil Doctors Oneicia Anthony, Anika Aska, Petranilla Estreada-Joseph and Carol-Faye George. Four female farmers were trained in What is Soil, Soil PH, Organic matter/content, Sleet test (soil structure) and Testing was conducted on three farms in the district and the farmers expressed their gratitude for the information and training they received.
On Thursday 23rd November, a similar exercise was done in the North-east District at the GARD Centre Farm and Training Facility. This was organized and facilitated by Miss Anika Aska, Mr. Joel Matthew and Carol-Faye George. Trained were three farmers, and two technical staff however they were training in five areas similar to those in the first session they received additional training in Soil compaction (water infiltration). One of the technicians trained was Mr. Craig Joseph, Extension officer for the Southeast District. It is anticipated that following the Christmas season a session will be organized to conclude the training of these individuals.
For 2024, the MOA intends to train more farmers, technicians and other interested stakeholders.