The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has successfully harvested its first crops from an experimental aquaponics system, producing 650 heads each of Chinese cabbage and lettuce in just four weeks as part of a groundbreaking food security initiative. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin shared the milestone during an interview with Observer Media, revealing that the project represents a fundamental reimagining of how a small island nation's military can contribute to national security beyond traditional defence roles.
"We have harvested our first crops of Chinese cabbage, as well as lettuce. We harvested those last Friday, 650 heads of each from the experimental beds," Brigadier Benjamin said. "And this is four weeks of production within that system."
The aquaponics facility, which began production in September 2025, currently operates four experimental beds supporting nearly 1,000 fish. Plans call for expansion to 12 beds soon, with lettuce and tomato harvests expected to continue on a four-week cycle.
The initiative required a $40K investment, which the Cabinet approved during a visit to Camp Blizzard in September. The project evolved from a hydroponics experiment that began two years earlier, but research led the Defence Force team toward aquaponics as a more sustainable solution.
Read more at The Antigua Observer
