Seventy-five participants graduated from the Cultivation Technology Training Program on Thursday.

The month-long program which Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce People’s Republic of China and facilitated by Juan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Company, trained participants in hybrid pepper breeding, seed production and cultivation techniques.

During the certificate giving ceremony at the Villa Community center where the program was held,

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda H.E Zhang Yanling in addressing the workshop participants says great efforts have been made from both [Government’s] sides for this program to be possible in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Since the start of this program, I’ve been following this progress of the training very closely, and when my colleague told me that there is very much passion from the local community for agriculture, I’m so delighted,” she added.

Her Excellency Yanling extended warmest congratulations to the participants and to the successful arrangement of this program.

Meanwhile, Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Walter Christopher says the program is “very valuable and timely” to the country’s food production and its drive to food security.

He implores the 75 individuals to take the message of food security and proper nutrition seriously.

Also present at Wednesday’s ceremony was Governor General H.E Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams.