Hon. Anthony Smith Jr the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy
By Shermainbique-Charles
[email protected]
Major improvements and additions are in the pipeline for the agricultural sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
This is according to the Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith.
One of the major avenues is the livestock industry.
Smith revealed during an interview on state media that plans are in the work to construct two new abattoirs.
An abattoir is a facility where livestock animals are slaughtered to provide food.
“What we would have realized in the livestock section just last year alone, we are spending, importing over just around $170 million in livestock. We see that there is a big need here for us in farmers investing in the livestock, but we need the facilities to process the meat after the farmers would have invested in this livestock.
“So, we are investing in abattoirs at the moment. The government has made a down payment that we can have two new abattoirs here in Antigua and Barbuda, alongside the current abattoir that we have. So, we can facilitate processing the meats faster. Because while, you know, farmers would want to get into the livestock section, you have to be able to process the meats after they would have done the work,” Smith said.
The abattoirs would be ready made and are expected to arrive in the country “probably within the next six months or so”.
And that’s a boost in the sector??? What we need is more food planted in the ground. Boost our food production improve our food sustainability lower our food import bill. There are more jackass’s in Parliament than in the pastures
Good work minister. Stay where you can propser. Stay where you can grow. Stay where you are fed. Stay where you are given opportunities. Stay where you are recognized. Stay where your potential can grow. Stay where you are loved. Stay with labour. It’s safer there
Well done Mr. Smith. Thanks for keeping us informed with what is happening!
Actions always speak louder than words! From your quiet corner, you continue to deliver to the people of Antigua and Barbuda . May God continue to bless you!
This is a very good move. The millions we spend on our food import bill can be significantly reduced
This is a great stride towards food security making the country less dependent on outsiders to feed us. Growing our own crops and raising our own meat is healthier and less costly than importing.