Antigua and Barbuda Participants to Attend Water-Saving Irrigation Seminar in China By Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford

Representing Antigua and Barbuda at the seminar are Mr. Jerres George, Farmer, Mrs. Clementina Morgan, Ms. Claire Thomas both of the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth (ABAFY); and Ms. Alsiah Benjamen, Science Teacher.

The seminar will be held from August 19 to September 1, 2026, primarily in Beijing, China, with participants also expected to visit Baoding City in Hebei Province. The programme is organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences Group Co., Ltd. (CAAMS) and will bring together approximately 20 participants from developing countries.

Strengthening Knowledge in Water-Saving Agriculture

The two-week programme was designed to expose participants to China’s experience, technology and practical approaches in agricultural water management, particularly in areas where water resources are limited.

Training will combine lectures, discussions, technical visits, inspection and practical activities, allowing participants to gain both theoretical knowledge and first-hand exposure to technologies being utilized in China’s agricultural sector.

Among the major areas to be covered are the development and application of water-saving agricultural irrigation technology; agricultural water resources and soil information monitoring and management; canal water measurement; efficient utilization of reclaimed water; soil analysis and soil-water balance; sprinkler irrigation technology; irrigation principles and irrigation district water management; and water-fertilizer integrated irrigation technology.

Participants will also learn how digital technologies, intelligent sensing, data collection and remote monitoring can be used to improve the management of soil, water quality, soil moisture and water-fertilizer applications.

Special attention will be given to sprinkler irrigation systems, including their design, installation, operation and maintenance, as well as their application in fields and orchards. The seminar will examine how modern irrigation systems can help farmers conserve water, reduce production costs and improve crop yields and quality.

Practical Exposure to China’s Agricultural Technology

Beyond classroom sessions, the participants are expected to visit several agricultural research and technology facilities, including the National Engineering Laboratory of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment of CAAMS and the National Agricultural Machinery Quality Supervision and Inspection Center.

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences Group Co., Ltd. (CAAMS) was established in 1956 and operates in areas including high-end agricultural equipment, agricultural engineering, information technology and technical services.

Since its establishment, CAAMS has organized and completed the development of more than 3,000 agricultural machinery products across nine categories. It has also played an important role in China’s international technical cooperation programmes.

Visits to agricultural irrigation technology and equipment research institutions and enterprises in Baoding City, Hebei Province, are also planned. These activities will allow participants to observe irrigation technologies and agricultural equipment in operation and explore how similar approaches could potentially be adapted to the agricultural realities of their respective countries.

The seminar will be facilitated by specialists from organizations and institutions including CAAMS, China Agricultural University, China Foreign Affairs University, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research.

Under the guidance and support of China’s Ministry of Commerce, CAAMS has implemented approximately 260 China-Aid technical training courses and seminars since the 1980s, providing training to around 7,000 professionals from more than 100 developing countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the South Pacific.

Sharing Antigua and Barbuda’s Experience

An important component of the programme will be the presentation of country reports. Participants are required to share information about their respective countries, including national characteristics, cultural features, the development of relevant sectors, existing challenges and areas where future cooperation may be beneficial.

For Antigua and Barbuda, participation in the programme provides an opportunity to share the country’s experiences and challenges as a small island developing state, while gaining greater exposure to technologies and practices that could support the efficient management of limited water resources and the continued development of climate-resilient agriculture.

With changing climatic conditions and the need for more efficient agricultural production, water-saving irrigation technologies can play an increasingly important role in supporting farmers, improving productivity and strengthening national food security.

The upcoming seminar therefore represents not only an opportunity for technical learning but also a platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange and the development of stronger agricultural partnerships between China and participating developing countries, including Antigua and Barbuda.