Black Pineapple plantation ( Photo Credit- GIS)

The government is expanding efforts to revive Antigua’s famed Black Pineapple industry, with plans to propagate at least 200,000 plants as part of a long-term agricultural development programme.

The initiative was outlined during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, where officials announced that another shipment of 15,000 tissue-cultured Antigua Black Pineapple plants is expected to arrive in the coming days.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the new shipment will be added to a previous batch of 15,000 plants already established at the Cades Bay Agricultural Station.

“Another 15,000 tissue cultures will arrive in the coming days and they will be propagated at the Cades Bay Station,” Merchant said. “The aim is to have at least 200,000 Antigua Black Pineapple plants propagated there at Cades Bay.”

The expansion forms part of a broader programme to restore and improve production of the fruit, which is widely regarded as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most distinctive agricultural products.

Merchant explained that approximately 50 samples of Antigua Black Pineapple were sent to St. Vincent more than a year ago as part of a scientific process aimed at improving the crop’s genetic stock. Researchers sought to address concerns from farmers that the fruit was no longer achieving its traditional size and productivity.

According to Merchant, the tissue-culture programme has helped preserve the characteristics of the Antigua Black Pineapple while improving planting material for future cultivation.

“The scientific process cleaned up the genetics so it remains Antigua Black Pineapple,” he said.

The propagation programme is being carried out at the Cades Bay facility, where the young plants are being multiplied before eventual distribution and cultivation.

Merchant noted that pineapples require a lengthy growing period, meaning it will take time before increased production reaches the market. However, officials expect the programme to significantly expand the availability of the fruit in the years ahead.

“It is anticipated that we should have regenerated growth of Antigua Black Pineapple very soon on the market,” he said.

The project is part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s wider strategy to strengthen food production, preserve local agricultural heritage and expand opportunities within the sector.