On Monday, March 27^th, 2023, the Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit held its 10th Annual Agriculture Science Exhibition at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training’s headquarters in the Ivy Dumont Building on University Drive. Education Officer for Agricultural Science Patrice Green informed that the Department has been observing the month of March 2023 as Agricultural Science Month under the theme “Progressing Towards Food Security”.

The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, visited each of the schools exhibits, carefully inspecting what they had produced. Minister Hanna Martin was notably impressed with the students’ agricultural abilities as she took in the luxuriant vegetation that filled the lobby.

Minister Hanna Martin has been a vocal advocate for students pursuing their passions outside of the traditional curriculum, and agriculture is no exception. She understands that not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting and that many have interests and skills that are best developed through hands-on experiences.This is exemplified through the implementation of policies that place great emphasis on students obtaining technical certification, as well as the expansion of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and its Smart Start Initiative.

Minister Hanna Martin praised the Agricultural Science Programme for instilling in students a profound sense of reverence for our planet, imparting knowledge about cultivation methods, and enabling them to put food on the table.Emphasizing the added benefit of selling their products and fundraising, she noted that the programme provides invaluable exposure to the nuances of entrepreneurship. The Minister asserted that the practical know-how and expertise acquired through this programme could empower students to pursue a lucrative career in agriculture, further augmenting the country's employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State Minister for Education and Technical and Vocational Training, also toured the Agriculture Science Exhibition and was impressed by what he saw. He noted that the exhibition showcased the potential for growth and development in the agricultural sector, which is a key national development goal for the nation's food security. He spoke about how technology has revolutionized agriculture and how it is no longer the labor-intensive industry it used to be. Hon. Lightbourne emphasized the profitability of agriculture and the opportunity it provides for children to use their passion for technology to produce food. He stated, "Our children have an amazing opportunity to use something that they like - technology, to produce something that they need - food."

Several schools participated in the exhibition, including H.O. Nash Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teachers Somatie Inderdeo and Shomekhan Cargill, L.W. Young Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teacher Margot Fountain, The Stapledon School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Maidelis Martinez Lao, T.A. Thompson Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Carla Melbourne, D.W. Davis Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Michael Davis,C.I. Gibson Senior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Shenik Chandler, Anatol Rodgers High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Ms. Bess and C.V. Bethel Senior High School.

The schools participating in the exhibition presented a wide range of agricultural products, produced in a variety of ways including horticulture, dairy and poultry farming, and livestock farming.

Agriculture by its definition encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry for food and non-food products. Different practices of agriculture include aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, which is the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and other organisms of value such as aquatic plants. Horticulture & hydroponics is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents. Dairy and poultry farming are two types of livestock farming, with the key difference being the type of livestock raised and the purpose for which it is raised. With poultry farming, birds are raised as food sources, such as eggs or meat, while dairy farming involves raising animals, usually cattle, for milk production.

The students participating in this hugely successful exhibition were able to reap the fruits of their labor, and it showed in the lush and healthy plants on display. H.O. Nash Junior High School featured fresh lamb and goat meat that appeared to meet the highest of standards. Other fresh fruits and vegetables on display included pineapple, cherries, thyme, bib lettuce, kale, tomatoes, goat pepper, bell pepper, carrots, buck choy, eggplant, Swiss chard and arugula.

It is truly impressive to see the vast array of agricultural successes across schools in The Bahamas. From traditional crops like tomatoes and corn, to more specialized endeavors such as livestock farming, these schools have shown incredible innovation and dedication to their craft. It is inspiring to see such a diverse range of agricultural practices being taught and implemented, as it not only fosters a sense of self-sufficiency, but also promotes sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The hard work and determination of these students and educators are a testament to the potential for growth and success in agriculture in The Bahamas, and serves as a model for anyone looking to invest in their own agricultural programmes.The Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit hopes to continue to promote the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and sustainable development in The Bahamas.