Stakeholders may now make better decisions about fertilization and soil health to increase crop productivity
May 27, 2025 – St. John’s, Antigua – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently donated two portable high-tech soil scanners and access to the software license to the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries in Antigua and Barbuda aimed to boost the health of plant and productivity of the agricultural sector. Following the donation, FAO worked closely with the ministry to conduct a training workshop for 21 persons, including ministry officials and farmers on May 7, 2025, on the effective use of the equipment.
Mr Melvin Medina Navarro, Plant Production and Protection Officer, and Ms. Rontia Crichlow, Plant Production and Protection Assistant of FAO, led the workshop held at Indies Greens at Sea View Farms. The session provided extension service officers and farmers with hands-on training in using scanners to deliver real-time data on soil nutrient levels. These include measurements of organic matter, pH levels, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and key nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Extension offers are now equipped to provide farmers with guidance and assistance in enhancing soil health and increasing crop yields by using data from soil scanners.
The wireless, lightweight, easy-to-use scanners are equipped with an infrared sensor that analyzes the composition of soil. Once a scan is completed, the data is immediately transmitted to a mobile app, which farmers can analyze. Multiple scans can be performed each day.
The Ministry of Agriculture is optimistic that the soil scanners will have an impact on the agriculture sector which experiences challenges associated with water variability, land degradation, soil depletion, and increased insect and disease which affects crop yields. Attending the session, Mr. Jahmel Ralph, Operations Manager at the Cades Bay Pineapple Station, said he was pleased with the soil scanner technology. He stated, “This is a positive step towards improving fertilizer recommendations for farmers.”
Mr Melvin Medina indicated that the initiative is being funded through the FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contribution Programme through the project, “Digital Solutions to Improve Horticultural Crop Management”, which has several components including, improved water and crop management, improved soil management through digital tools, and pest and disease management through access to digital guidelines.
Mr Medina highlighted that, “FAO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Agriculture by promoting the use of the digital soil scanners. The scanners will provide extension services with the necessary information and resources to make data-driven decisions that will revolutionize agricultural practices and enhance livelihoods of the farmers”.
