CARDI VISITS BARBUDA

From Wednesday 31^st January to Friday 2^nd February, Mr. Junior Greene, CARDI representative for Antigua/Barbuda and Montserrat visited Barbuda and held several engagements while there.  The first of these was his visit to the Sir McChestney George Secondary School Agricultural Science Department.  During his interaction with the students Mr. Greene gave a synopsis about the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) which included its modus operandi, mission, vision and importance to the region.

Afterwards, the students accompanied Mr. Greene to the school farm where he explained about plants nutrition and deficiencies.  During that time, he examined plants for pests and diseases, diagnosing what were found and recommended how to eradicate the pests and cure the diseases.

On Thursday 1^st February, Mr. Greene paid visits to crop and livestock farmers.  He discovered that the ruminants were free-range raised and that the livestock farmers have the capacity to supply the market with high quality meat.  During the consultation, the farmers asked for assistance to improving the breeding stock on the island and for more regular veterinary services.

It was noted that most of the vegetables grown on Barbuda was done by the backyard gardeners which were grown with little or no pesticides.  Most of the producers expressed great interest in increasing the production of sweet potatoes and requested CARDI’s assistance.  Some of the crops grown on the island are Lettuces, Tomatoes, sweet peppers, okras, peanuts, sweet potatoes.