Anthony Smith Jr, Minister of Agriculture (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith has announced that a shipment of heavy-duty agricultural equipment procured by the government will arrive in Antigua next week, with the machinery set to be deployed immediately in support of land clearing, farm road construction, and water infrastructure development across the country.
Minister Smith reported the development to Cabinet at its meeting Wednesday, describing the new equipment as part of the government’s ongoing strategy to modernise the agricultural sector, expand farm infrastructure, and provide greater operational support to farmers.
The shipment comprises two excavators, one backhoe, a five-tonne wheel loader, and a bulldozer.
Director General for Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, said the ministry has already identified specific areas where the equipment will be put to work.
“As soon as they arrive on country, they’ll be put into operation,” Merchant said, adding that the machinery “cannot come too soon for the ministry and for farmers.”
Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant (screenshot of state media)
The equipment will be used to assist with land clearing, construction of farm roads, water catchment infrastructure, and other essential agricultural works.
Merchant confirmed that a list of farmers who have indicated their willingness to participate in the programme has already been compiled by the ministry, and that plans for the construction of dams and ponds, as well as additional water storage facilities, have been developed in advance of the shipment’s arrival.
The arrival of the equipment comes as the government continues to prioritise food security and agricultural modernisation.
Good news for farmers, hope to see these equipment be properly maintained since we have a problem of using things and not maintaining them
okay
Food security is a must and this purchase goes a long way in ensuring that this becomes a reality. As stated previously, please maintain the equipment.
This is good news for farmers. Clearing land and building proper farm roads will make a big difference for people trying to grow food locally.
Supporting farmers means supporting the entire country. Local food production strengthens national resilience.
With all that’s going on in the world we may have to fully depend on ourselves feed ourselves
Marucie we need water. Fullstop!!!!
Agriculture need a serious push so commendations
We dont trust anyone who cross the floor.