Agriculture Summer Internship Programme Continues with Hands-On Learning at Greencastle Agricultural Station by Shenequa Williams

The Ministry of Agriculture Summer Internship Programme continued today, July 2nd with an educational and practical visit to the Greencastle Agricultural Station, where interns gained valuable firsthand experience in several key areas of crop production, nursery management, field maintenance and agricultural administration.

Upon arrival, the interns were welcomed by the Greencastle team and introduced to the station’s operations. They learned that the station specializes in the propagation of ornamental plants, fruit trees and other seedlings using techniques such as seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting. The interns were then divided into their respective groups and rotated through various learning stations to ensure everyone received a well-rounded experience.

At the nursery, interns worked alongside Agriculture Assistant Mr. Grantley and Supervisor Mr. Victor, where they learned the importance of preparing soil for planting. They sifted soil to remove stones and other large particles before filling nursery pots in preparation for planting.

Working with trainee Ms. Zulema, another rotation focused on transplanting seedless watermelon seeds into nursery trays, giving interns practical experience in seedling management and plant propagation.

In the field, Agriculture Assistant Mr. Rennice guided interns through the proper maintenance of coconut trees. They learned about common diseases and fungal infections that affect locally grown coconut trees and were shown the correct methods of pruning infected branches. Emphasis was placed on safe pruning practices, including cutting away from the body, and on properly disposing of infected branches by removing them downhill from the field to prevent the spread of disease. The interns also learned about the growth and nutritional needs of coconut trees and visited other fruit trees, including grafted mango and starfruit.

Another group participated in cleaning and organizing the station’s tool house, reinforcing the importance of maintaining agricultural equipment and a clean, safe working environment.

The administrative aspect of agricultural operations was also highlighted during a session led by Administrative Office Trainee Ms. Shanice. Interns were introduced to record-keeping procedures, including the use of timesheets, incoming and outgoing books, departure records and the basics of salary calculations, demonstrating the vital role administration plays in the effective management of an agricultural station.

Throughout the day, the interns were reminded that agriculture is built on dedication and consistency, with one of the day’s key messages being, “Agriculture is a venture, what you put into it is what you will get back.”

To conclude the day’s activities, each group compiled and presented what they had learned during their rotations. Their presentations reflected the knowledge and practical skills they had gained throughout the day.

Following the presentations, Team Grow emerged as the day’s winning group, with Dynamic 7 placing second, Seven Sparks securing third place, and Agriculture on the Go (AOTG) finishing fourth.

The visit to the Greencastle Agricultural Station provided interns with a deeper understanding of the many aspects of agriculture, from nursery production and crop management to equipment maintenance and administrative operations. The experience further reinforced the programme’s commitment to equipping young people with practical knowledge and an appreciation for the diverse opportunities within the agricultural sector.