MOA Interns work day at Cades Bay Agricultural Station by Jerleena King

Today the interns of the Ministry of Agriculture Summer Internship visited the Cades Bay Agricultural Station where they participated in field activities that focused on crop maintenance under the guidance of the station staff. The interns assisted with removing weeds from around the pineapple plants to reduce competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight that helps promote healthy crop growth.

While some interns were using hoes and picks to remove the unwanted grass and weeds others were using their hands while others were picking mangoes and guineps. Activities like these help the interns with hands-on experience and a better understanding of the importance of regular field maintenance in agriculture production.

Cades Bay Agricultural station is a historic, government-operation established in 1960 by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is located in Saint Mary’s Parish on Antigua’s southwestern coast and is known for its renowned rich Agricultural heritage. They support the prioritization of actions and revitalization of Antigua’s National Fruit the Antigua Black Pineapple known as one of the sweetest fruits in the world.

Their objective is to improve the genetic resource of the Antigua Black Pineapple through various varieties of tissue cultured propagation. This Organization of Black Pineapples is managed by Mr. Jamol Ralph/Manager and Mr. Damien Nicolas/Foreman of the station of Cades Bay Agricultural station.

Cades Bay Agricultural Station have various partners and added to that list is the Ministry’s interns.