Ministry of Agriculture Interns Gain Hands-On Experience at Cades Bay Agricultural Station

Interns participating in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Summer Internship Programme spent a productive day at the historic Cades Bay Agricultural Station, where they gained practical experience in crop maintenance and learned about the cultivation of Antigua’s world-famous Black Pineapple.

Under the guidance of the station’s staff, the interns took part in a range of field activities designed to expose them to the day-to-day responsibilities of agricultural production. Their primary task involved removing weeds from around pineapple plants to reduce competition for nutrients, water and sunlight, an essential practice for promoting healthy crop growth and maximizing yields.

The interns used a combination of hoes, picks and hand weeding techniques to clear unwanted vegetation. Others assisted with harvesting seasonal fruits, including mangoes and guineps, providing them with additional exposure to routine farm operations.

Programme organizers said the visit offered valuable hands-on learning opportunities, allowing participants to better understand the importance of regular field maintenance and sustainable farming practices.

Established in 1960, the Cades Bay Agricultural Station is a government-operated facility managed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Located in St. Mary’s Parish on Antigua’s southwestern coast, the station has played a significant role in preserving the country’s rich agricultural heritage and advancing research into the Antigua Black Pineapple, widely regarded as one of the sweetest pineapples in the world.

A key focus of the station is improving the genetic resources of the Antigua Black Pineapple through tissue culture propagation and other modern agricultural techniques aimed at strengthening production and preserving the variety.

The station is managed by Jamol Ralph, Manager, and Damien Nicolas, Foreman, who continue to oversee its operations and support the Ministry’s efforts to promote innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

The Ministry said the internship programme continues to provide young people with meaningful opportunities to explore careers in agriculture while contributing to the work of institutions such as the Cades Bay Agricultural Station.