Private sector supports Government’s efforts to cushion effects of rising food prices
Georgetown, GINA, April 25, 2008
In support of Government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising food prices on Guyanese private sector representatives today met with Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud to give their input on additional measures that should be taken by Government.
In response to the issue of food spoilage as a result of refusal of entry into the United States (US), Minister Persaud said he has written to the US Secretary of Agriculture requesting a visit by officials to examine the country’s export facility and grant US Department of Agriculture certification.
The issue of access to land was raised and Minister Persaud said lands zoned for particular agricultural activities are available. He said $200 million is being invested in new pastures for cattle in Corentyne, Berbice from Numbers 52 to 74 villages, and there will be the regularization of land tenureships in the Abary area, Region Five.
Private sector representatives at today’s meeting
He added that freehold land is also available but this cannot be interfered with.
Minister Persaud said every new lease being issued will contain a clause specifying that land usage which is not consistent with its development plan will be immediately revoked or repossessed.
Private sector representatives suggested that crop insurance should be introduced. Minister Persaud supported this notion but said that insurance companies are not keen on it. To this end efforts are being made through CARICOM, which is developing a disaster response programme to make floods a part of the programme. If this venture is successful, it is hoped that by extension a form of agricultural or crop insurance arrangement can be induced.
However, farmers are being encouraged to start self-insurance. If assistance is needed to design a fund the Ministry will offer support.
Minister Persaud reiterated Government’s efforts through the ‘Grow More’ campaign to cushion the impact of rising food prices on citizens. The campaign seeks to ensure Guyana’s food security and capitalise on existing and new market opportunities.
He noted that a number of products are being demanded in the local market including fruits for processing, plantains, cassava, red beans, sugar, rice, watermelons, butternut squash, pumpkins, peppers, and coconuts.
Minister Persaud in discussion with private sector representatives on the Grow More campaign
In growing more farmers will be assisted through the ‘Five-Step Plan’. There will be the implementation of a US$20.9 million Agricultural Export Diversification programme designed to develop three (3) commodity chains - beef, fruits and vegetables and aquaculture; a US$6 million Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development programme aimed at raising the incomes of poor rural farmers will be implemented; there will be increased investment in drainage and irrigation with an average annual budget allocation of US$5 million; extension services will be enhanced, and there will be an increase in the availability of seed and planting materials.
Other initiatives to cushion the impact of rising food prices include the monitoring of exports, placement of a ban on the export of bran, and imposing restrictions on the export of broken rice.
Private sector support of Government is expected to realize the provision of a stable supply of food; regulate mark-ups within acceptable parameters; provide for real-time sharing of data to minimize distribution distortions; and promote investment and activities to make use of opportunities presented.
Today’s meeting saw the representation of companies including the Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce, National Aquaculture Association of Guyana, Caribbean Chemicals, Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development.
more bulletins
