The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has partnered with the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) to secure heavy-duty agricultural equipment in a bid to improve farm productivity and enhance market competitiveness.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference on food security, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith said the investment is part of a broader effort to modernise farming and support local food production.
Officials say outdated and limited equipment has hindered growth in the sector, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers.
“With the right tools, our farmers will be able to increase crop yields, reduce labour costs, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market,” Mr Smith said.
Funding from the CDF will be used to acquire tractors, ploughs, irrigation systems, and other essential machinery. The government says these resources will be made available to farmers to help expand their operations and adopt more efficient production methods.
Beyond individual farm productivity, the new equipment will support wider agricultural infrastructure projects. Plans include large-scale land preparation, irrigation expansion, and the development of key farming zones.
The initiative aligns with the government’s push to reduce food imports and increase local food security. Officials say the new machinery will enable farmers to improve efficiency and reliability in food production.
The Ministry of Agriculture is working with farming cooperatives and other stakeholders to ensure fair distribution and effective use of the equipment.
With implementation underway, officials say the investment will strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector and make the country more self-sufficient in food production.
