Report on the Achievements of the China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Project in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between Grenada and the People’s Republic of China
Since the launch of the China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project in May 2005, seven phases of the project have been successfully completed and the eighth phase is currently underway, which is implemented by China Shanxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Shennong Technology Group Co., Ltd.
The project promotes the development of Grenada’s agricultural sector through technical cooperation, training, demonstration and promotion. It has created more jobs for local residents and helped farmers increase their incomes. In addition, the project has revitalised Grenada’s agriculture industry, improving local agricultural production efficiency and increasing agricultural production. Its positive impact on Grenada’s agricultural development has been widely recognised by various sectors of Grenadian society.
Over the past 20 years, the China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project has achieved remarkable results. It is worth noting that infrastructure such as the sixth phase expert building, the seventh phase smart greenhouse and the improved farm roads have met the basic requirements for the continuation of the project. The current eighth phase not only continues to advance the technical achievements of the previous phases but also expands new specialities, such as bamboo weaving display and tissue culture seedlings. This phase will continue to introduce high-quality seeds and seedlings in the La Sagesse Demonstration Area and carry out relevant tests, demonstrations, promotion of superior varieties and agricultural technology training. In addition, it will update and strengthen infrastructure such as water supply network, garden shed, tissue culture lab, and bamboo weaving workshop in the area, equipping the project with farm machinery and lab instruments.
After more than 2 years, the eighth phase of the project has achieved remarkable results in various sectors.
In the vegetable sector, 59 superior varieties such as eggplant Tianza 1818, cucumber Chaolianglu 168, sweet corn TG20, and cabbage Degao CR69 were introduced. It includes 23 types of vegetables, screening tests and high-yield cultivation demonstrations.
In the fruit tree sector, dragon fruit, carambola, grapes, and soursop has been successfully introduced for demonstration, and high-quality stress-resistant fruit trees suitable for local planting have been cultivated. This deepens the local people’s understanding of the new fruit trees and enhances the adaptability and stability of the fruit trees.
In the tissue culture sector, the demonstration of rapid plant propagation technology has increased the number of local high-quality flowers and economic forests, improved biodiversity, and had a positive impact on agricultural and forestry development, economic prosperity and ecological protection in Grenada.
In the plant protection sector, the project also demonstrated effective and low-toxicity pesticide application, physical trapping and other pest and disease control technologies, and educated local farmers through on-site learning. This enhances the knowledge of agricultural technicians about plant pests and diseases and promotes their understanding of pest control methods, contributing to the sustainability of local agriculture and environmental protection.
In the irrigation sector, trials and demonstrations of water-saving technologies, including sprinkler and drip irrigation, have promoted sustainable water-saving agriculture in the region.
In the agricultural machinery sector, tractor driving, rotary tiller application and lawn mower operation demonstration have significantly improved the efficiency of agricultural technicians’ field operations and ensured high crop yields.
In the bamboo weaving sector, bamboo weaving techniques, including realistic bamboo weaving artworks, have been displayed and promoted, demonstrating traditional Chinese culture and being highly appreciated by the people of Grenada.
In the livestock sector, a laboratory has been established with the Mirabeau Farm School, and demonstrations of artificial insemination technologies in pigs and sheep have increased fertilisation rates and reproductive efficiency, benefitting farmers and revitalising the local livestock sector.
In the technical training sector, technical training has been carried out in fruit and vegetable planting, pest and disease control, agricultural machinery operation, bamboo weaving, animal husbandry and irrigation, with a total of 736 trained. The training shared advanced planting techniques, pest control methods, and horticultural design concepts, which improved local agricultural production efficiency and yield.
In the ancillary project sector, supporting facilities such as tissue culture laboratory, small agricultural machinery station and bamboo weaving workshop are being built. The projects began in June 2024 and are expected to be completed by February 2025.
In the charity event sector, the project regularly donates fruits and vegetables to schools, juvenile rehabilitation centre, nursing homes, orphanages and Food and Nutrition Council around the demonstration farm. In July 2024, Grenada was hit by Hurricane Beryl, and the technical team donated money and goods to Carriacou island, providing more than 30 types of vegetables to help victims rebuild their homes and restore agricultural production.
The China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project is a significant, sustainable and far-reaching initiative. It is an important example of cooperation and exchange between the 2 nations and symbolises the deep friendship.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada, China Shanxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. will carry on the past, introduce more advanced agricultural technologies and management practices, and successfully complete the eighth phase of technical cooperation. In addition, we will work closely with the ninth-phase feasibility study corporation and coordinate with Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture on specific plans. The two sides are committed to strengthening agricultural cooperation and exchanges, promoting the modernisation of agriculture in Grenada, improving production efficiency, and increasing farmers’ incomes, so as to contribute to the further development of friendly relations between the 2 countries.
China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Project
New sign at the airport says: Welcome to Chinada.