Deputy Director of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Veronica Luke, has welcomed a move to introduce more young Vincentians to modern agriculture.
This follows the handover of a complete greenhouse and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System to the Division from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Ms. Luke expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff and students for the investment. She said the handover marks an important milestone in creating new opportunities for practical training and skills development in agriculture.
She stated: "We want to extend our appreciation to the members of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture officials for joining us in this handing over ceremony of the Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponic System. We extend our sincere appreciation to both departments for this investment in the college and in agricultural education by extension. This occasion marks an important milestone in our collaboration to strengthen practical training, promote climate-smart production technologies, and to build technical capacity among students and other beneficiaries. Now, agricultural education must prepare our learners to respond to the realities of our sector. The realities of climate change, limited access to land and water management, and the need for reliable food production all call for knowledge, adaptability, and innovation."
Ms. Luke said the College has a responsibility to expose students to emerging agricultural technologies.
She further added: "This system is much more than an addition to our facilities; it can become a laboratory that can bring teaching and learning into closer contact with real production challenges. This initiative also speaks directly to our national development priorities. Strengthening food and nutrition security requires investment in both production and people. So by equipping students with the skills to evaluate and manage modern technologies, the college can contribute to national efforts to increase local food production, strengthen climate resilience, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. We look forward to building on this partnership with the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture as we prepare learners to contribute to agricultural innovation, food security, and national development."
SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)
