– By Brent Simon
Three-week program deepens China–Antigua partnership and promotes sustainable water management in agriculture
As the world celebrates World Food Day 2025, Antigua and Barbuda has taken a decisive step toward food and water security with the launch of the Training Course on Agricultural Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies—a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co., Ltd. of the People’s Republic of China.
Chaired by Ms. Anika Aska, the opening ceremony began with the national anthems of Antigua and Barbuda and China, symbolizing unity of purpose and cooperation.
Delivering the feature address, Dr. Weng Yong, Executive Vice Director of Longping High-Tech International Training Center, praised the enduring partnership between the two nations. He noted that the program directly addresses Antigua and Barbuda’s dry climate and coral rock soil conditions through the introduction of modern irrigation technologies such as drip, micro, and fertigation systems.
The three-week training program is designed to:
• Share advanced technology to improve water efficiency by over 30%.
• Build capacity through hands-on field exercises and customized irrigation plans.
• Strengthen technical cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China.
Dr. Weng emphasized the philosophy of “teaching people to fish”—focusing on knowledge transfer, practical training, and sustained technical support rather than short-term assistance. Drawing on successful models implemented in Africa and Asia, he underscored the importance of adapting technology to local environmental conditions.
He closed by reaffirming Longping’s vision for lasting agricultural partnership, quoting the late hybrid rice pioneer Yuan Longping:
“The roots of hybrid rice are in China, but its branches and leaves should extend to the whole world.”
Speaking on behalf of Director of Agriculture Mr. Gregory Bailey, Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher highlighted the training’s alignment with national policy goals.
“This training aligns seamlessly with our national policy objectives, particularly those focused on efficient water use at the farm level,” PS Christopher stated. “It complements ongoing initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, dam construction, and soil and water conservation—efforts that have already begun to reshape our agricultural landscape with sustainability at the core.”
He noted that with over 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s water supply derived from reverse osmosis, adopting smart irrigation technologies is not only strategic but essential.
“Every drop saved,” he added, “is a step toward resilience—especially in the face of climate variability and increasing demand.”
A short video presentation followed, illustrating the shared vision and history of agricultural collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda and China.
Ms. Chang Yun, Consular Officer at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Antigua and Barbuda, praised the initiative as an example of practical cooperation rooted in mutual benefit and sustainable development. She commended the Ministry for taking proactive steps to ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for food and water security.
H.E. Ambassador Dean Jonas, Ambassador-at-Large of Antigua and Barbuda, lauded the program as a “timely and forward-looking” response to global challenges in food production. He emphasized that sustainable agriculture begins with responsible water use and a commitment to innovation.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Judy Ann Richards, Research Officer, who expressed appreciation to all partners and participants for their shared dedication to building a resilient agricultural sector.
Closely tied to this year’s World Food Day theme—“Water is Life, Water is Food: Leave No One Behind”—the training program stands as a concrete demonstration of how Antigua and Barbuda is translating global ideals into local action.
By investing in people, technology, and partnerships, the nation continues to secure its most vital resource—and its agricultural future.
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