The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) is introducing two short courses in poultry and crop production aimed at strengthening local food output and supporting small-scale farming.

The programmes — Broiler Poultry Production and Crop Production — are being offered through the School of Agriculture and are designed to provide hands-on skills that can be applied at home or in small agricultural enterprises.

Andrea Edwards-Browne, head of the department, said the poultry course will guide participants through the full process of raising broiler chickens, from caring for day-old chicks to preparing birds for market.

“Participants will learn the full process of broiler production, including biosecurity practices, feed conversion, and aspects of marketing and business management,” she said, adding that record keeping will also form a key part of the training.

She said the initiative comes at a time when food security remains a major concern.

“Food security is extremely important worldwide, and especially in Antigua and Barbuda as a small island developing state,” Edwards-Browne said.

The crop production course is designed for beginners and will cover seed selection, nursery management, fertilization, irrigation and post-harvest marketing.

“The course starts from zero. We are teaching persons how to start their crops, manage them effectively and prepare them for market,” she said.

Both programmes will run for 10 weeks. Poultry classes are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, while crop production sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ABCAS said the courses are structured to allow participants to enroll in both programmes and are part of ongoing efforts to boost community involvement in agriculture and expand local food production.