Participants in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Summer Internship Programme continued their practical agricultural training on Friday with an immersive visit to the Greencastle Agricultural Station, where they explored crop production, nursery management, field maintenance and the administrative side of agricultural operations.

The visit provided interns with valuable firsthand experience as they rotated through a series of learning stations designed to expose them to the many disciplines that support modern agriculture.

Upon arrival, the interns were welcomed by the Greencastle team and introduced to the station’s role in propagating ornamental plants, fruit trees and seedlings through techniques including seed propagation, cuttings and grafting.

At the nursery, Agriculture Assistant Mr. Grantley and Supervisor Mr. Victor demonstrated the importance of proper soil preparation. Interns sifted soil to remove stones and other debris before filling nursery pots, learning the critical first steps in successful plant production.

Another group worked alongside trainee Ms. Zulema, transplanting seedless watermelon seedlings into nursery trays while gaining practical experience in seedling care and plant propagation techniques.

Field activities focused on coconut tree management under the guidance of Agriculture Assistant Mr. Rennice. Interns learned to identify common diseases and fungal infections affecting coconut trees and were shown proper pruning techniques to remove infected branches safely while preventing the spread of disease. They also received lessons on the nutritional requirements and growth habits of coconut trees before touring grafted mango and starfruit trees at the station.

The programme also emphasized the importance of workplace organization, with one group tasked with cleaning and organizing the station’s tool house, reinforcing the value of proper equipment maintenance and safe working practices.

Beyond fieldwork, interns were introduced to the administrative responsibilities that keep an agricultural station operating efficiently. Administrative Office Trainee Ms. Shanice guided participants through record-keeping procedures, including timesheets, incoming and outgoing registers, departure records and basic salary calculations, highlighting the essential role administration plays in the agricultural sector.

Throughout the day’s activities, interns were encouraged to approach agriculture with commitment and discipline, embracing the message that “Agriculture is a venture; what you put into it is what you will get back.”

The visit concluded with team presentations, where interns shared what they had learned during each rotation. Their presentations showcased the practical knowledge and skills acquired throughout the day.

At the end of the competition, Team Grow claimed first place, followed by Dynamic 7 in second, Seven Sparks in third, and Agriculture on the Go (AOTG) in fourth.

The Greencastle Agricultural Station visit formed another important component of the Ministry’s Summer Internship Programme, reinforcing its commitment to providing young people with practical, hands-on training while inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals.