When the sugar industry declined dramatically, it left 60 percent of Antigua s 66,000 acres in the hands of the government. The Ministry of Agriculture is working on policies whose goal is to obtain self-sufficiency in certain food items. Food imports account for approximately 25 percent of total imports. The years 1990 and 1991 have seen a slight increase in the agricultural contribution, mainly in the area of crop production which rose by about 20 percent. Most of this produce was consumed within Antigua, while the exports of crops like pineapples and melons, rose dramatically.
Fishing is a promising area for expansion.
About three millions pounds of fish are caught annually by inshore fishermen while Barbuda exports lobster at about 260,000 pounds per year. Antigua, West Indies. Other information copyrighted respective individuals, companies, organizations, or government. See disclaimer .