by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Agricultural Science students at the Charles E Mills Secondary School received a first-hand experience in plant propagation during a visit to the St. Kitts Agriculture Department on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
Agronomists at the Plant Propagation Unit, Bronte Tucker, facilitated a learning session about the importance of plant propagation in Agri-business and also demonstrated various propagation techniques to the student.
On the other hand, Propagation Technician Keifer Kelly demonstrated to the students the step-by-step methods of root cuttings, air layering, grafting, budding and seed scarification.
The Agricultural Science students were also shown demonstrations on how to fulfil varying scientific procedures using propagation tools such as grafting clips, budding tape and knife, foil paper and plastic wraps, amongst others.
The Agricultural Science Department at the Charles E Mills Secondary School organised the visit to enhance students’ awareness, knowledge and capabilities in food cultivation, animal husbandry and sustainable living practices.
Equally, the visit to the island’s main agricultural facility was timely as the conversation has heightened in recent years about the need for a cultural shift where people engage in local food production and the buying and eating of local produce.
