The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) hosted an informative field activity for farmers of Region 3 at Maroon Hill.

The activity focused on different dasheen varieties intercropped with plantains. The activity forms part of the International Trade Centre (ICT) project, “The Caribbean: Strengthening Sustainable Value Chains Through Productive and Commercial Alliances,” that is funded by the European Union.

The field demonstration provided farmers with practical insights into the advantages of intercropping as a sustainable agricultural practice. Donawa Jackson, CARDI Country Representative highlighted the importance of integrating crop diversification strategies that support productivity, profitability and resilience. Important topics of yield maximization, cash returns, efficient land usage, weed management, pest and disease reduction and the reduction of agrochemicals were discussed.

Leroy Jackson, consultant working along with CARDI, shared his expertise with the participating farmers. He shared the importance of adopting sustainable farming practices that strengthen agricultural productivity.

Farmers at the activity made observations of the intercropping system and engaged in discussions that will enhance their farming production and productivity. Overall, the initiative supports sustainable agricultural systems that promote food security and strengthen climate resilience in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Caribbean Region.

Similarly, on Wednesday, 27th May 2026, CARDI carried out an assessment of the peanut trial plots located at its field station in Orange Hill under the same project. The activity involved farmers of Region One (1), students of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, members of CARDI, and members of the Extension and Advisory Services Division within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation.

The peanut varieties evaluated during the yield assessment included Local Runner, NC2, and Belizean. Participants were given the opportunity to examine several characteristics of the peanut plants, including plant size, variety type, and the size of the harvested nuts. The assessment also included nut counts per plant, comparisons of nut sizes, and the weighing of harvested nuts to evaluate differences among the varieties.

The peanut yield evaluation exercise provided a valuable opportunity for farmers, students, and agricultural personnel to gain practical insight into peanut cultivation and production techniques. This activity contributed to strengthening agricultural capacity and promoting sustainable crop development within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The activity was facilitated by Donawa Jackson, CARDI Country Representative for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation