wo representatives from the Inter –American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are on island, conducting an assessment as part of a previous agreement to assist the ministry of Agriculture improve the genetics of small ruminants.
Dr. Manuel David Sanchez Hermosillo, Representative for Dominican Republic and Ms. Una May Gordon Representative for Eastern Caribbean are currently conducting an assessment to derive ways in which Antigua & Barbuda could develop specific proposals to increase the production of sheep and goats.
This assessment stemmed from an agreement reached earlier this year between the Director General of IICA, Dr. Victor Villalobos, and the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment Hon. Hilson Baptiste who pledged his commitment to support the development of the sector in five critical areas.
Among the areas listed were, building technical capacity at the Master & Phd Levels through scholarships, access to germplasm for roots & tubers, sweet potato and cassava and white potato, genetic improvement of small ruminants, enhancement of communication between IICA, the ministry and development proposals for improvement of technology to enhance communication exchange in extension service and the follow-up result of insurance symposium.
The IICA officials during a meeting with the Chief Veterinary and Livestock Officer Dr. Oona Edwards, the Deputy Director Mr. Astley Joseph and other technical officers to hammer out –areas of focus under the program for genetic improvements of small ruminants.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room on Thursday, agreed that emphasis should be placed on production of forage, housing and management of flocks.
As part of the assessment process, several farms were examined. A visit was also made to the Titan Group of Companies, where IICA is currently conducting a Biodigester Pilot Project. Ms. Gordon explained that when the system would have been fully installed it would be used as a training tool for other farmers.
Ms. Gordon explained that “Biodigesters can play a pivotal role in integrated farming systems by reducing health risks, facilitating control of pollution and at the same time adding value to livestock excreta through production of biogas and improved nutrient status of the effluent as fertilizer for ponds and crop land.”
On Friday, the team will visit approximately four other farmers as part of the process.
The team is expected to present a report on the findings and the way forward at the end of the assessment.
