An invesment of more that €1.2 million is transforming the Government farm at Xewkija into a Centre of Research, Development and Innovation in Agriculture.

This project is being led by the Ministry for Gozo in collaboration with the University of Malta and among others aims to promote agricultural practices that respect health and the environment while introducing new systems to the agricultural sector in Gozo. This is in addition to continuing to improve the facilities and services provided to farmers and herdsmen on the island.

On a visit to the site, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, saw the result of the work that has been carried out over the past few months, including the building of three new laboratories, the modernisation of glass-houses, a livestock pen, an aviary for poultry and an area for bee keeping. Three water reservoirs are also being restored to increase the capacity by 3,000 cubic metres, which will give an additional three million litres of water.

The Minister also visited a part of the site linked to the Hands-on-Farming programme for primary schools in Gozo. “This section will be able to provide the students with a more welcoming environment that offers extra facilities for learning about nature. Above all, it will further enhance the direct experience that children will receive during their time in the area, which gives them the opportunity to sow and plant, while also being able to observe the animals and birds in nearby-pens.”

Plans for the centre include a computerised irrigation system to make it possible to carry out research on sustainable water use in agriculture, the testing and promotion of good environmental practices and systems in agriculture, animal husbandry and poultry.

Attention will also be made to studies on cultivated crops, fruit trees and endemic plants, as well as those relating to the protection of water resources and soil.

Studies will be conducted on the cultivation of plants, vegetables and endemic fruit trees as well as on the better preservation of water and soil resources, as well as the types of plants which are used as animal feed. Research is also to be carried out on the Maltese black hen.

“This project boosts the agricultural sector in Gozo and makes this sector more value-oriented. The agro-tourism industry will also benefit from this project,” the Ministry said.

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