The abandoned coconut plantation in Barbuda, originally intended to bolster the island’s coconut industry, may soon be repurposed for alternative food production, according to discussions during this week’s Cabinet briefing.
Decades-Old Plantation Faces New Consideration
Once envisioned as a key driver of copra production and other coconut-based goods, the plantation suffered extensive losses due to the lethal yellowing disease, which decimated large portions of the coconut crop. Now, with only the skeletal remains of many trees left standing, the site has largely remained unused and unproductive.
Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst acknowledged the plantation’s decline and confirmed that government officials are now assessing alternative agricultural uses for the large tract of land.
Barbuda’s Potential for Food Security
Hurst noted that despite the setbacks in coconut production, Barbuda’s fertile soiland existing agricultural practices could allow the land to be reallocated for other high-yield crops. He pointed out that peanuts and other grains, along with ground provisions, have traditionally thrived on the island, largely due to natural fertilization from livestock.
Government officials plan to collaborate with the Barbuda Council to identify the best use for the land in line with Antigua and Barbuda’s broader push for food security.
A Shift Toward Agricultural Sustainability
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on imported food and strengthen local food production. This comes as the government seeks to support farmers with water storage infrastructure and expand agricultural output amid concerns about global food supply challenges.
