Day 2 – Ministry of Education Agricultural Science Department’s School Teachers Excursion to Lincoln Tilapia Farm and CARDI by Shenequa Williams

Today, Wednesday 28th August, the group of educators had the opportunity to visit two notable establishments: Lincoln Farm and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in Antigua. Both operations play pivotal roles in advancing sustainable farming practices and agricultural research in the region.

The first stop was Lincoln Farm, where the teachers explored their innovative aquaponics system. At the heart of the farm’s operation is a dual filtration system designed to break down fish waste, making it accessible as nutrients for plants. This system integrates mechanical filtration to remove solid waste and ensure the water remains clean for both fish and plants. The farm’s entire ecosystem is carefully managed to ensure that all components coexist harmoniously.

One interesting fact they learned is that female tilapias grow at a slower rate compared to their male counterparts, a factor the farm considers when managing fish populations. Due to the high chlorine levels in the local water supply, Lincoln Farm uses harvested rainwater to maintain its aquaponics system, ensuring the health of both fish and plants. However, the farm isn’t without its challenges. Trips (small flies) that can wreak havoc on crops have posed a significant threat to the farm’s lettuce, highlighting the delicate balance required to maintain a thriving aquaponics system.

Following our visit to Lincoln Farm, they journeyed to CARDI, where participants were divided into two groups—one led by Mr. Bachelor, and the other by Mr. Brown. CARDI is renowned for its contributions to agricultural research, particularly in the preservation of germplasm. In Antigua, CARDI manages 16 varieties of sweet potatoes, which are collected and preserved to ensure the sustainability of these vital crops.

During the visit, they were impressed by the results of CARDI’s research and preservation efforts, which have led to the production of 16,000 pounds of sweet potatoes annually. While there they were also shown the Black Pineapple Rehabilitation Project and learned about the five different varieties of potatoes under study. These potatoes are being tested for their drought tolerance, an essential characteristic for crops in the region’s increasingly unpredictable climate.

The visits to Lincoln Farm and CARDI underscored the importance of innovation and research in sustainable agriculture. While Lincoln Farm exemplifies the practical application of sustainable fish farming techniques, CARDI’s research initiatives are crucial in preserving and enhancing crop varieties for future generations. Together, these institutions are making significant strides in ensuring food security and agricultural resilience in Antigua and the wider Caribbean region.