The Region One, Extension and Advisory Team within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation - SVG, facilitated a field visit to the CARDI Field Station to conduct a training session on Varieties in Sweet Potato and Cassava, on 20th May 2026.
A total of twenty-four (24) participants attended the session, including eighteen (18) farmers, one (1) intern and five (5) extension officers.
Mr. Donawa Jackson of the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and his staff conducted the training. Participants were able to evaluate various sweet potato and cassava varieties throughout the germplasm as a result of this excursion. Seven (7) types of sweet potatoes, which are utilized to grow vines for a steady supply to farmers across the country, were introduced to the participants. Additionally, seven (7) bitter cassava cultivars were identified. The optimum cultivars for productivity and agro-processing are determined using the cultivars that have been chosen. The growth traits, production potential, and general adaptation of the chosen varieties for each crop under local farming conditions were discussed by farmers, extension agents, and CARDI representatives in attendance.
Additionally, a peanut farming study was presented to the participants. Six (6) trial plots show three (3) peanut variations employing two Belizean kinds in addition to the local variety, where a suggested method is employed as opposed to the conventional farmer method. The cultivars are of the running and bunchy variety. It is anticipated that the outcome will evaluate the most productive yield.
Through initiatives such as this, the Extension and Advisory Services remain committed to fostering agricultural development, strengthening community resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods through agriculture.
SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation
