By: Tyreke G Thomas-Horsford
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands, and the Blue Economy through its Extension Division (PDO) held a major fertilizer distribution exercise today, September 2, 2025.
The activity commenced promptly at 9:30 a.m. at the Ministry’s compound and is scheduled to continue until 3:30 p.m., serving hundreds of farmers from across Antigua and Barbuda.
From early morning, long lines of farmers could be seen waiting outside the storage container that housed the highly demanded fertilizers. Four key types were made available during the exercise: Nitrogen Phosphorus (NPS), Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Triple Superphosphate (TSP). Each of these fertilizers is crucial in ensuring the growth, health, and productivity of crops. Farmers expressed optimism and gratitude as they collected their allocations, noting that this initiative comes at a critical time for the agricultural community.
This year’s programme also marked a significant milestone: the fourth consecutive year that the Ministry has organized such fertilizer distributions. Over the years, the initiative has grown in scale and impact, providing consistent support to farmers and strengthening the nation’s agricultural foundation.
During a live interview with ABS Television and Radio, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands, and the Blue Economy, Honourable Anthony Smith Jr., highlighted the significance of the distribution. He emphasized that the government and ministry remain committed to supporting farmers through tangible initiatives that will strengthen food production and ensure sustainability within the sector.
“This fertilizer distribution is a great benefit to our farmers,” Minister Smith explained. “The government, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, has put this program in place to make sure farmers can access what they need to produce more crops. By doing so, we are not just helping individual farmers, but we are uplifting the entire agricultural sector and ultimately contributing to national food security.”
The Minister also pointed out that fertilizers play an important role in soil health, plant nutrition, and increased yields, making them essential for modern farming practices. By boosting the fertility of the soil, fertilizers ensure that crops are able to reach their maximum potential, which in turn helps improve livelihoods and reduce the nation’s reliance on imported produce.
A notable highlight of today’s exercise was the acknowledgment of the generous donation of 1,800 bags of fertilizer from the Kingdom of Morocco. The Minister praised this continued partnership, noting that Morocco has consistently shown strong support for Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural development.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for this significant contribution,” Minister Smith stated. “This donation goes a long way in ensuring that our farmers have the tools they need. Fertilizers are not just inputs for crops—they are inputs for progress. They strengthen the soil, enhance productivity, and ultimately feed our people. On behalf of the government and the farmers of Antigua and Barbuda, we say thank you.”
He further encouraged all registered farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to collect their supplies, reiterating that the government is making every effort to create an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of registration not only for transparency and accountability but also to ensure that assistance reaches those who are directly engaged in farming activities.
Today’s fertilizer distribution forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector. In recent years, climate change, rising input costs, and external shocks have placed pressure on local farmers. Initiatives such as this one demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to alleviating those challenges, thereby encouraging greater resilience within the farming community.
Many farmers on the ground expressed appreciation for the program, noting that fertilizers are often costly and sometimes difficult to access. With today’s exercise, they are better positioned to prepare their fields for planting and harvesting in the months ahead. One farmer remarked that the fertilizers will allow him to double his expected yield of vegetables this season, while another shared that it will help improve the quality of her root crops for both local markets and export.
The distribution also reflects the government’s broader vision to transform agriculture into a vibrant, modernized sector capable of contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP while reducing food import bills. With strong partnerships, such as that with Morocco, and the dedication of local farmers, Antigua and Barbuda continues to move closer to achieving food security and sustainability.
As the exercise concluded today, the Ministry announced that the fertilizer distribution will continue throughout the week until September 8, 2025. Farmers who have not yet collected their supplies are therefore encouraged to do so within the allotted period.
The fertilizer distribution held today at the Ministry’s Extension Division stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government, international partners, and farmers work hand in hand. It is not only an investment in agriculture but also an investment towards Food Security and the future of Antigua and Barbuda.
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