The Ministry of Agriculture’s intensive three-week Water-Saving Irrigation Technology Training Program continued today with a deep dive into the science and precision behind modern irrigation and fertigation systems.

Led by Mr. Huang Yanwu, Associate Research Fellow at Longping Agricultural High-Tech Co., Ltd., the fourth day of training centered on two pivotal sessions designed to enhance local expertise in sustainable water management and efficient agricultural practices.

The morning session, Lecture 5, focused on “Deep Design and Precise Calculation of Water-Saving Irrigation Systems.” Participants explored key concepts in hydraulic design, pressure regulation, and soil-water-plant dynamics — all crucial for building irrigation systems that deliver high productivity while conserving water.

In the afternoon, Lecture 6 turned to the “Commissioning of Fertigation Systems,” where attention shifted to integrating fertilizer management within irrigation operations. The session emphasized calibration, automation, and precision control, equipping participants with the skills to ensure optimal nutrient delivery and minimal environmental impact.

Ms. Anika Aska, Agricultural Officer and member of the program’s management team, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing engagement and collaboration among attendees. “The course is going well, and the participants have been very engaged in both lectures and discussions.

Many have shared experiences and exchanged knowledge. The course material has also been very informative and has given the 70-plus participants a lot of new perspectives on irrigation setups and water-saving technologies,” she said.

Now midway through its second week, the training continues to strike a balance between theory and practical application. It aims to empower agricultural professionals to design, manage, and maintain irrigation systems that make every drop of water count — a vital step toward building climate-smart and resilient farming systems across Antigua and Barbuda.