Since the end of 2024, experts from China’s Agricultural Assistance Project team have twice presented broccoli seedlings to farmers in Antigua and Barbuda. These seedlings were warmly welcomed, and the initiative received positive responses. To ensure the successful promotion and cultivation of broccoli, as well as the practical execution of seedling transplantation so that Antiguan farmers can achieve tangible economic benefits, the Chinese Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda has actively supported and promoted this initiative. With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Department, experts from the Agricultural Team have traveled to related farmland to provide technical support since early 2025. The work has been both challenging and rewarding, yielding promising results and fostering strong friendships with local farmers.
Recently, experts from the Agricultural Team visited six farmers—four small-scale gardeners and two large-scale farm owners. Antiguan farmers are highly enthusiastic about vegetable cultivation and make efficient use of every available piece of land. They have planted the broccoli seedlings provided by the Agricultural Team in their yards and fields, applying the high-yield cultivation techniques taught by the experts. Through diligent care and management, they have successfully harvested a good crop.
The two large-scale farmers have excelled in broccoli cultivation. They have demonstrated strong proficiency in water and fertilizer management, as well as pest control. Moreover, they have successfully applied high-yield broccoli cultivation techniques to other cash crops such as corn, okra, and pumpkin, achieving excellent results. They expressed their desire to expand their cultivation efforts, enhance their farming expertise, and pass on their knowledge to their children, hoping they will continue this meaningful work in the future.
During these visits, agricultural experts provided tailored planting and cultivation recommendations based on each farmer’s specific conditions. They documented their observations and advice to ensure ongoing follow-up support.
Farmers have expressed deep appreciation for the Chinese experts, who not only share theoretical knowledge but also provide hands-on training, supply vegetable seedlings, and conduct regular farm visits to offer technical guidance throughout the growing process. The advanced, mechanized, and systematic high-yield farming techniques from China have helped local farmers achieve vegetable self-sufficiency, create employment opportunities, and generate significant economic benefits.
The sincerity and enthusiasm of the farmers have left a lasting impression on us during training sessions and field visits. Many local farmers are eager for more opportunities to receive agricultural training and hope that their children will one day have the chance to study and exchange knowledge in China. Their words are filled with gratitude toward China, and they sincerely hope for stronger ties between the people of both nations. As an agricultural expert working in Antigua and Barbuda, I take great pride in my work and cherish the friendships I have built with the local people. Moving forward, we remain committed to helping farmers in Antigua and Barbuda enhance their vegetable cultivation techniques and explore the introduction of more crop varieties suited to local conditions.
