Farmers across Antigua and Barbuda have begun receiving fertilizer from a record 4,000-bag shipment secured from the Kingdom of Morocco.

Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. informed Cabinet that distribution has started and will continue throughout the week.

The shipment is the largest received since Antigua and Barbuda’s fertilizer cooperation with Morocco began in 2018.

It more than doubles the approximately 1,800 bags supplied in 2025 and is also substantially larger than the approximately 1,700 bags received in 2023.

Cabinet said the fertilizer will provide farmers with an essential input as the Government seeks to increase domestic agricultural production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.

Minister Smith said quality fertilizer can help replenish important soil nutrients and allow farmers to produce larger yields from land already under cultivation.

The shipment forms part of a wider agricultural programme involving access to land, water infrastructure, irrigation, technical assistance and farming inputs.

Earlier this year, approximately 150 acres of underutilised agricultural land were repossessed. Cabinet subsequently approved the allocation of 75 acres to women and young farmers.

Antigua and Barbuda has also secured approximately US$9 million through a Caribbean Development Bank and Food and Agriculture Organization soil and water management programme.

The funding is expected to support the construction of dams, water catchment ponds and other infrastructure designed to improve water availability and conserve agricultural soil.

Cabinet said improved access to land, water, fertilizer and technical assistance will be essential if the country is to increase local food production and strengthen its resilience against external supply disruptions.

Farmers are being encouraged to contact the Ministry of Agriculture and its Extension Division for information about the continuing fertilizer distribution.