Ministry of Agriculture of Guyana

Naamryck farmers benefit from all-weather road
- Agriculture Minister stresses importance of maintenance

Farmers in Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, are now the beneficiaries of an all-weather road constructed under the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) of the Ministry of Agriculture.
            Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today met farmers and commissioned the road which was constructed at a cost of $74.6M. The Minister urged residents to ensure that they maintain the road, since it will bring huge benefits to them.
            The road allows farmers in the area to transport their produce from their farms to the market and reduces post handling losses which were incurred in the past.
            Minister Persaud pointed out that with easier transportation arrangements, farmers can now expand their production and ensure a better living for themselves and families. He stated that Government is working to ensure that farmers have the necessary conveniences and resources to build on and realise their full potential.
            He pointed out that the emphasis on these areas has implications for the community as well as on a national and regional level, since farmers can contribute significantly to the national income through increased production.
            With the rising cost of food items on the local and international market, Minister Persaud pointed out that leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations will be visiting Guyana to discuss the issue for possible solutions. This he said is happening because Guyana can solve some of those problems, as the country can supply those countries with fresh produce.

            He said that the vision of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was for Guyana to be the food basket of the Caribbean, and this vision can be realised. The Minister said it would call for much collaboration among stakeholders in the industries but expressed optimism that this could be achieved.
            The Ministry has been working with farmers in the area through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Minister assured farmers that this assistance will continue.
            He pointed out that the Ministry is working with farmers on several projects and would like them to develop their own nursery in the area and NARI will give assistance.
            The PRCSSP is working to alleviate poverty in Regions Two and Three by increasing poor rural household incomes through the expansion of on-farm production and fostering the promotion of Rural Micro-enterprises.
            This sub-project will benefit approximately 65 households. The contract was awarded to Mc Junior International which commenced work on August 28, 2006 and completed it on September 16, 2007.

            Their main economic activity is the cultivation of ground provision and cash crops including tomato, pepper, cabbage, bora, eggplant, etc. Before the sub-project the farmers used the Naamryck relief channel to transport their produce by boat to the market.
            This was very costly since the percentage damage to post harvest handling was great and access to the farms on the earthen embankment was impossible in the rainy season.
            Meanwhile, Minister Persaud visited Canals Polder to inspect ongoing drainage works when he met farmers and discussed issues affecting them in those areas.
            The drainage works in both Polders are being effected by excavators from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) at a cost of $8M. The Minister stated that the NDIA is clearing both of the main drainage canals and this will be completed in time for the rainy season. He said this is part of ongoing works in critical areas to ensure that flooding is averted.

This work will be complemented by the Water Users’ Association and the Regional Democratic Council which will be clearing the secondary canals. The maintenance will be effected by the NDIA during the upcoming rainy season and then the Region will take responsibility for the canals.
Minister Persaud, however, stressed the importance of maintenance, since it will ensure that the areas have proper drainage throughout the year.