Landed in mid-June, the Ministry of Agriculture is the recipient of one thousand and seven hundred (1700) bags of fertilizers arrived from Morocco to be distributed amongst both crop farmers and backyard gardeners in Antigua and Barbuda.
The fertilizers sent in four 20ft containers and bagged in 100 pounds sachets could not have arrived at a better time according to Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Agriculture. “Today, we are happy to receive this generous assistance and a very timely donation from the Kingdom of Morocco.
As the Minister for both Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, I am privileged to witness the process which was started by Senator Samantha Marshall. Miss Marshall approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about this initiative a process which was continued to where we are today, the happy recipients of this generous donation. Therefore, on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, both ministries, the people of Antigua/Barbuda and myself I would like to sincerely thank the kingdom of Morocco for their donation and assistance”, Minister Greene said.
In honour of Senator Marshall for her significant contribution and commitment to the cause, the first farmer was selected from the south-west agricultural district or the southern belt which produces most of the food grown on the island. Mr. Hesekiah Thomas was very proud to receive this donation and encouraged other farmers to make good of the offer. “I am very grateful for this donation and I want to thank the Minister, the Ministry also I would advise other farmers to come and collect when its time and make use of the fertilizers”, said Mr. Thomas.
The farmers were all encouraged by the Extension division staff to not only accept this generous contribution but also to ensure that they are utilized to good use and for the purpose intended. “We are very pleased about this generous and very much needed donation which will be distributed to our producers free of cost. Especially since we have embarked on the drive on reducing our importation bill by at least 25% as soon as possible”, said Owolabi Elabanjo, Chief Extension Officer.
The Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the producers and other stakeholders are on the quest of securing National Food Security and Safety. As related by the Senior Extension Officer, Ika Fergus, “The Extension Division and by further extent the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to the cause and implore all, to be involved. Next week, the fertilizers will be distributed and the extension staff will be calling farmers for them to collect”.
These fertilizers are essential for food crops, they will enhance the growth of plants by providing nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers can also improve the effectiveness of the soil by modifying its water retention and aeration. The Minister urges each recipient to collect their fertilizers within the given distribution dates to ensure that the bags and monies invested won’t go to waste.
The fertilizers sent are of four different strengths. Some of which will also be distributed to producers in Barbuda. Producers and The General Public are encouraged to visit the Ministry’s Facebook page and website for any news pertaining to Agriculture in the twin island state and the region. The distribution of the Moroccan Fertilizer will be posted on both of the Ministry’s media platforms shortly.
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What amount by exception will be going to the farm east of Pares?
Antigua News Room,those came in June. We are now in July 12,2023.By the way Antigua has been getting fertilizers from Morocco since in the days of Brother B. as Minister of Agriculture. So what is the damn big deal,now.A photo op with Chet.
Please stop killing the soil with these artificial fertilizers.
Antigua entered into an agreement earlier this year to preserve our soul and prevent further deterioration of the soil.
In a a few years with continued use of this quality of fertilizer we will be producing crops that looks nice but VOID OF NUTRIENTS.
Time to conduct a study to determine the level of damage these fertilizers had done over the years.
I hope when the fallout happens with this bad fertilizer that Morocco clearly doesn’t want, I do hope they attached Samantha and Gatson Browne to the fallout as well,and they don’t go running and hiding and claim they were duped the way they claimed to be duped by some African business man bringing in a 1000 refugee’s to the sures of Antigua?
And that’s a big hope!
Smdh.
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