Farmers benefiting from a new government land-clearing initiative will have just 90 days to establish viable crops on their newly prepared land, as authorities move to ensure public investment translates into increased food production.
The requirement forms part of a programme approved by Cabinet to bring 102 acres of agricultural land into production across five districts in Antigua.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith outlined the initiative during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, explaining that the Agricultural Extension Division has been authorised to provide land-clearing services to existing and prospective farmers.
The programme is intended to reduce the financial and logistical challenges associated with preparing land for cultivation.
Under the first phase, 22 acres will be cleared in the South East, 22 acres in South Central, 20 acres in the North East, 16 acres in the South West and another 22 acres in the North West.
Registered farmers and individuals seeking to enter the agricultural sector will be eligible for assistance, while additional districts are being considered for future phases.
However, beneficiaries will be required to enter into formal Service Agreements with the Agricultural Extension Division.
These agreements will require farmers to establish viable crops within 90 days after the land-clearing service has been completed.
Cabinet said the condition is necessary to ensure government resources are directed towards productive agricultural activity rather than allowing cleared land to remain unused.
The Ministry will also encourage farmers to increase production of five priority crops: onions, sweet potatoes, cassava, sweet peppers and tomatoes.
Although beneficiaries will not be restricted exclusively to those crops, agricultural officials will actively encourage and incentivise their cultivation.
The initiative complements other government programmes aimed at expanding agricultural production, including dam construction, pond rehabilitation and improved access to machinery.
Cabinet has instructed the Ministry to monitor the cleared lands and ensure beneficiaries comply with the terms of their agreements.
The government hopes the programme will increase cultivated acreage, improve domestic food supplies and support Antigua and Barbuda’s wider efforts to reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.
