The government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive agricultural modernization program featuring significant infrastructure investments to address food security challenges and enhance climate resilience. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced these developments during his recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, detailing substantial equipment acquisitions and facility upgrades currently underway.
The Ministry of Agriculture has already taken delivery of new heavy machinery including two 20-ton trucks and an excavator, with additional equipment scheduled to arrive within weeks. The incoming inventory includes a bulldozer, track loader, backhoe, and another excavator—all designated exclusively for agricultural purposes. This specialized equipment will directly support farmers with critical tasks including land preparation, water storage solutions, and improved farm accessibility.
Concurrently, the government has procured two modern abattoirs whose equipment has already been shipped and is expected to reach the islands within approximately 45 days. Site preparation and civil works for these facilities are slated to commence imminently, with projected operational status within 12-18 months.
As part of climate adaptation initiatives, the administration will implement solar-powered lighting systems to facilitate night farming operations. This innovative approach addresses growing concerns about heat waves exacerbated by climate change, enabling agricultural workers to avoid peak daytime temperatures while maintaining productivity.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that these combined investments represent strategic measures to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported food supplies. While acknowledging that complete food self-sufficiency remains challenging, the government is implementing deliberate policies to expand domestic production capacity and strengthen national food security.