President announces grant, 50 new computers to train farmers on IT
-during launch of Farmers’ Magazine

Georgetown, GINA, January 10, 2008

Addressing a large number of farmers at the Buddy’s International Hotel, East Bank Demerara today during the re-launch of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association’s (GRPA’s) Magazine “The Farmer”, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that he will be providing 50 computers and a grant for the GRPA to put in place a programme to allow for farmers to become acquainted with information technology and the use of the internet.
            Commending the GRPA for the re-launching of the magazine, the President explained that it is a significant achievement for the GRPA, noting that it will provide vital information for farmers so that they can better their farming practices and their livelihood.
            The President urged that a programme be established for farmers to learn the use of the modern device-the computer-to equip them with the knowledge on how to increase their production and to be aware of what is happening in markets around the world. He also suggested that the computer be used for online editions of the magazine.
            “We want to ensure that every farmer knows how to use the computer,” President Jagdeo said, adding that it is necessary for farmers to also diversify their crops and Government will provide assistance in this regard.
            “This is a big programme we’re working on-the diversification programme-with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),” the Head of State explained.
            President Jagdeo told the farmers that agriculture is a big issue in the Region and recalled that at last month’s 12th Special Meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, the Heads have elevated the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture on their agenda.
            He said he recognised that the support by Government towards the agriculture sector is not the same in several other countries in the Region like it is in Guyana and that much focus was not placed on regional food security and growing food security bills.     This is why he requested that he be responsible for the agriculture sector in the Region. 
            “Today, I am pleased to say that the Region has accepted our plan. We have succeeded in doing that. We have to be optimistic. We have to work with the markets we have,” he told the farmers.
            The President however stressed that several markets are hugely subsidized.  
            “We have to over the next few years dismantle these subsidies,” he contended. 
            The President pointed to the greatest challenge facing the sector which is Climate Change and noted that the farmers need to take this challenge into consideration, noting that many have already seen the patterns and the problem causes much worry for the policy-makers.
            “I am sure they are magnified at your level,” the Head of State said, as he explained that large developed countries have been emitting a lot of green house gases and countries like Guyana feel the brunt of the effects.
            President Jagdeo said if the agricultural sector is to be a viable one in the future or in the next 50 years, farmers need to be aware of the problems and measures need to be taken to address these.
            On this note, he cited the need for farmers to be educated on worldwide market operations, thus, the need for Information Technology familiarization.
            The President disclosed that in a few days, it is expected that the monopoly held in the sector by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company should be broken.
            The Farmers’ Magazine was launched by the GRPA some years before but its production was not sustained. It includes stories on farming activities and farmers, Government’s input in agriculture and additional activities in the sector. 

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