Farmers across Antigua and Barbuda could gain greater access to agricultural water as the government moves to expand the country’s network of dams, ponds and other water-storage facilities.

Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to significantly increase the construction of new water catchments while accelerating the clearing and rehabilitation of existing facilities.

The move forms part of a wider effort to increase local food production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food.

Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. told Cabinet that work is already underway to construct dams and rehabilitate ponds and other water sources to capture rainfall.

With Antigua and Barbuda vulnerable to prolonged dry spells and irregular rainfall, the government believes storing more rainwater will give farmers a more reliable and affordable supply for crop production while reducing dependence on desalinated potable water.

The Ministry has also been instructed to help farmers place more acreage under cultivation and expand its own food-production programmes.

The latest push complements efforts to make more agricultural land available. Earlier this year, approximately 150 acres of underutilised farmland were repossessed, with 75 acres approved for allocation to youth and women farmers.

Other initiatives include the development of a Tissue Culture Laboratory at Bethesda to provide disease-free planting material and partnerships with IICA and CARDI focused on improved sweet potato varieties, farmer training, seed security and climate-resilient farming practices.

Cabinet said the success of the programme must ultimately be measured by an increase in locally grown food reaching households, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

The government maintains that boosting domestic agriculture is critical to lowering the food import bill and protecting Antigua and Barbuda against global supply disruptions and climate-related challenges.