With a mere two weeks before schools close for the Summer break, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) has once again fulfilled its promise to SDASS. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP.
Less than a month ago a request was made by Agriculture Science teacher, Yonette Patrick for assistance in cleaning the farm pond.
Clearing and cleaning of the areas surrounding the pond took place at the beginning of June and material was used to build a ramp at the Country Pond.
This ramp was crucial for the excavator to gain access further into the pond but that meant that the cleaning of the SDASS pond had a slight delay but nevertheless on Monday 13th the promise became a thing of the past. “I am so grateful and happy. Praise the Lord. I am so happy and can’t thank the Ministry enough” Ms. Patrick said.
According to Alvin Christian (DoA Soil, Water & Heavy Equipment Consultant), the excavator was due for routine maintenance servicing, however, after carefully considering the time factor, it was decided to oblige the SDASS.
In the past, the SDASS pond which lies between two gullies would fill up very quickly during the rainy seasons or after heavy downpours, and over time lots of topsoils were deposited into it reducing the size and holding capacity.
“What needs to be done is (1) with the use of the excavator remove all the topsoil until we get to clay (2) then slope the walls to increase the size and holding capacity (3) elongate the pond so instead of having the shape of a basin, the pond will have an oval shape and this would utilize the space available. Additionally, the oval shape would be done so that none of the cultivation area would be encroach upon”, said Mr. Christian.
Adjacent to the pond was the compost heap. T
he compost generated in the heap mixed with the freshly dug topsoil would be spread over the newly plowed areas prior to harrowing.
This rich combination should increase the tilth and friability of the soil making it even more conducive for crop production.
Luckily, the SDASS farm is a mixed one (combination of crop production and animal husbandry) and this enhances the quality of the compost by combining the chicken dung from the layers with other organic materials.
The DoA within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Barbuda Affairs once again commend the SDASS for taking Agriscience seriously and for making their contribution towards Food Security a priority.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Cleaning ponds waiting for rain to fall is good but that doesn’t solve our problem as farmers ,we need access to government water in the farming area around Antigua ,small farmers don’t have $100000 to run main line to their farm , and not all small farmers own trucks we need help
Cleaning one pond for a school make news there are bigger issues concerning farmers that need to be address contact the ABLFA we have issues
Comments are closed.