More than 90 farmers, extension officers and agricultural professionals across six regions have been trained in modern greenhouse production and digital farming technologies, as efforts intensify to modernise the agriculture sector through climate-smart, data-driven practices.
The training was delivered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), combining classroom instruction with hands-on field work under protected cultivation systems.
The programme began on May 19 at the Mangrove Centre in Mon Repos and continued with practical sessions in Regions Two, Five and Six.
Head of Special Projects at NAREI, Dr Ramnarace Sukhna, said the initiative would help strengthen technical capacity and support the expansion of modern farming systems.
“This collaboration with FAO strengthens the technical capacities of our officers and farmers,” he said, noting that sensor-equipped model farms would support the scaling up of protected agriculture nationwide.
The training focused on greenhouse and shade house production as part of efforts to advance climate-smart agriculture, improving productivity and crop quality while reducing climate-related risks.
Participants were introduced to digital sensor technologies that monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light intensity and nutrient levels in real time, enabling more precise, data-driven decisions on irrigation, ventilation and crop management.
Extension Officer in Region Six, Alvin Prabudial, described the sessions as practical and relevant. “The training was very good, not only the theory but also the practical experience,” he said.
Debbie Argyle of the Mahaica Women’s Group said she would share the knowledge gained within her community.
The FAO said the initiative forms part of a broader technical mission combining training, equipment installation and field-based learning aimed at modernising the agriculture sector.
