FAO equips farmers in Antigua and Barbuda with tools for more precise nutrient and water management

Farmers, extension officers and agricultural professionals in Antigua and Barbuda strengthened their practical skills in nutrient, irrigation and fertigation management through a two-day training delivered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

Held on 24–25 September 2026, the training brought together 31 participants, including 10 women and 21 men, and combined classroom learning, practical calculation exercises and field-based demonstrations. The activity was implemented under the projects “Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production in Antigua and Barbuda” and “Digital Solutions to Improve Horticultural Crop Management in the Caribbean.

The first day focused on the principles and practical application of plant nutrition, nutrient and water management. The participants examined essential plant nutrients and their functions, nutrient uptake and availability, crop requirements at different growth stages, common deficiency symptoms, and the role of irrigation management in supporting nutrient availability and uptake and overall crop performance. The training also covered fertilizer selection, nutrient content, solubility and compatibility, and the preparation of fertilization programmes for soil-based and soil-less cultivation systems. Through hands-on exercises, participants used a nutrient-management calculation tool to translate crop-specific nutrient requirements into precise fertilizer quantities and application schedules, strengthening their ability to plan and manage fertilizer use more effectively. They were also introduced to a digital nutrient-management application under development, which aims to further support data-informed decision-making and more precise nutrient management at farm level.

The second day translated classroom learning into practical field exercises at MSB Enterprises in St. Mary’s Parish, where participants eagerly worked on an open-field eggplant plot. They weighed fertilizers and mixed them according to calculated crop requirements. They also examined the operation of the farm’s drip-irrigation and fertilizer injection systems before applying the solutions through fertigation, gaining hands-on experience in delivering nutrients to crops in a more precise and targeted manner.

A key highlight of the field session was the hands-on use of portable soil scanners, which enabled participants to experience the entire process, from on-site soil assessment and nutrient analysis to the development of targeted fertilizer recommendations and their practical application in the field. Portable soil scanners were used to generate rapid, site-specific information on soil nutrient status and selected soil properties. Participants then entered the results into the fertilizer calculation tool to determine crop-specific nutrient requirements and develop tailored fertilizer recommendations based on the conditions of the field.

Based on the tailored fertilizer recommendations, participants calculated and measured the required quantities of fertilizer, prepared the nutrient solution and applied it through the farm’s irrigation system, putting into practice a data-driven approach to more precise nutrient management. The exercise highlighted the value of integrating field-based soil assessments, nutrient calculation tools and fertigation practices to enable more precise, crop-specific nutrient management. This approach can help optimize fertilizer use, reduce unnecessary input costs and losses, and support improved crop performance, resource-use efficiency and overall agricultural productivity.

For the participating farmers, the training provided practical tools that could be readily incorporated into farm planning and day-to-day management. “I learned so much today. This tool is going to make my job much easier, I can prepare everything in advance and guide my workers on irrigation and fertilization,” said Ralph Iton Henry, a farmer from Antigua.

“The training was very informative. Using the spreadsheet will make it easier for me to plan at the farm and understand the expected nutrient requirements before the crop cycle is completed,” stated Sheir Williams, another farmer who participated in the training. She also highlighted the value of using the calculation tool to support forward planning.

The training also strengthened the capacity of extension personnel to support farmers with more informed nutrient-management decisions. “This training will help farmers make more informed decisions about fertilizer application, giving crops what they actually need while reducing unnecessary fertilizer use and costs,” said Victor Wade, Extension Officer.

Through the combined interventions of both projects, FAO and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are supporting farmers and technical personnel to improve the management of water, nutrients and production practices, while promoting the use of digital tools and field-based technologies for more precise, efficient and informed farm-level decision-making.

“Our objective is to give farmers practical tools that help them make better decisions on water and nutrient management. By combining field-based assessments with digital tools, we can support more precise use of inputs, improve efficiency and ultimately strengthen crop productivity,” said Anne Desrochers, FAO Plant Production and Protection Specialist and Lead Technical Officer for the FVC project.