Barkly Experiment Station was established in 1926 by Sir Harold Tempany and the management was entrusted to Charles O'Connor. Land for the establishment of the station was allocated from the Barkly Asylum. The station was name d after Sir Henry Barkly, a Bri​tish Governor (1863 -71). The first major project undertaken was the setting up of an orchard with all the best fruit trees found locally. This was soon followed by the introduction of other fruit trees such as coconut var. Pemba, litchi varieties, citrus species and ornamentals from abroad. During the past decades, facilities found on the station have been continuously upgraded with a view to cope with the increasing demand for plants and seeds.

Plant propagation and seed production were under the responsibility of the Crop Experiment Division until the setting up of the Horticulture Division in 1980. Barkly Experiment Station amongst other stations of the Agricultural Services contributes towards national agricultural production through the provision of quality vegetable seeds, and propagating materials of fruit and ornamentals plants.

Main Activities

Production and sale of vegetable seeds

The Horticulture Division produces seeds of more than 30 species of vegetable crops for the planting community and general public. Seedcrops are grown on different stations of the Agronomy and Horticulture Divisions where strict and specific norms of production are met. After harvest, seeds are sent to Barkly Experiment Station for processing, testing, packaging and storage.  Seeds with prescribed standard of germination are issued to different outlets, including Barkly E.S. for sale to the planting community and general public.

 Seeds of certain crops such as bean, lettuce, and onion are sold on a voucher system whereby eligible growers are requested to contact their respective regional Extension Offices (FAREI) to procure the necessary voucher. Other vegetable seeds are sold in an open system to growers with cultivation area of up to 1 arpent, above which a bona fide certificate from the Extension Service (FAREI) is obligatory.

Vegetable seeds produced at the Agricultural services

Sale outlets of the Agricultural Services

Production and sale of planting materials of fruit, ornamental and medicinal plants

For fruit, ornamental and medicinal plants, the Horticulture Division supplies propagating materials produced through either conventional viz., grafting, layering, cutting and seedling or tissue culture method (mainly banana and orchids).

Plants are sold either through an open sale system directly to the public or through a waiting list system for grafts and layers. Growers should submit their requests (Download application form) to the Plant Propagation Officer, Barkly Experiment Station or Agricultural Services Centres, mentioning the plant(s), variety and quantity required. These requests are computerized in order to ensure orderly sales when the plants a re ready and help to keep track of demands.