July 22, 2009 … Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the environment Hilson Baptiste has given a clear indication that `cutting-edge technology' will be installed at agricultural stations to raise crop yields and boost production.

Baptiste, fresh from an 29th executive committee meeting organized by the Inter –American Institute for Corporation On Agriculture (IICA), in Costa Rica said technology to boost agriculture was the main focus of the discussion.

This session was dubbed one of the most important for agriculture and rural life in the Americas.

Technology, the minister noted will assist Antigua to secure food security and cut production cost.

“That is the new direction that we will have to take in Antigua & Barbuda,” said Baptiste, “Any country that is serious about Agriculture has to consider going the technological route.”

He explained that during the trip the team of minister from 34 countries, visited several farms in Costa Rica. “I was thrilled to see the line of production. All the different aspects of agriculture on the farm were controlled by computer.”

Like, Costa Rica, Baptiste noted that, Antigua cannot produce all crops on large –scale and being able to maintain food security.

“We must pick three crops and produce it well….Greenhouse technology will enhance production year –round and reduce the cost.”

But, in order for agriculture to be able to satisfy the national food plan, the minister is adamant “We must stick to standards, food safety and sell our programs properly.”

He noted that in order for this to happen, the agricultural sector would have to step up to the plate, technologically.

He explained that while at the executive meeting in Costa Rica, Antigua was the only country without an agriculture website. “Every country has stepped up to the plate technological…we are losing out in Antigua ….without a website.”

In the meantime, in an effort to capitalize on information sharing and training opportunities a website is currently being built for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment.

By: Ms. Onika Campbell
Communications Co-ordinator
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & The Environment