More resources to continue agri development in Upper Corentyne areas

-         Regional Chairman highlights improvements

Georgetown, GINA, March 15, 2008.

Investments continue to be made to enhance and expand agriculture in various farming communities across the country including Number 52-74 area, Upper Corentyne, Berbice where approximately $15M has been earmarked to carry out further improvements to drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure during this year.

            This was highlighted today during a farmers’ meeting held by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud at the Crabwood Creek Primary School. Among those present at the meeting were Region Six Chairman Zulficar Mustapha, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth and General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh.

            The Regional Chairman, who told farmers of the resources allocated in this year’s budget for the Number 52-74 area, noted that more than 50 percent of the earthen works outlined for the area’s D&I upgrading has been completed. The infrastructural works in Number 52-74 Villages and Crabwood Creek are included in the Agricultural Support Services Programme (ASSP).

It was noted that the programme for the area is ahead of schedule and has so far impacted positively as most of the farms in the backlands of the targeted areas are benefiting from improved D&I, which has resulted in better crop performance.

Last year, more than $20M was spent to carry out the various D&I activities including construction of revetments at several locations including Moleson Creek. 

            There have also been improvements in the area of cash crops and more efforts are being pursued by Government to develop this area. Staff of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) have been visiting the area to meet with farmers and discuss the marketing opportunities that exist in the area.

              During the meeting, farmers were allowed to raise issues affecting agricultural development in their area. Farmers spoke about the need for assistance to improve the access dams and requested an excavator to carry out the upgrading.

            It was pointed out that the use of excavators, which are intended primarily for D&I works, to repair dams can cause serious damage to the equipment and it was agreed that the Regional Administration will provide assistance to improve the dams.

            The need for access to cheaper chemicals was raised by one farmer who explained that in the past persons would import the items from neighbouring Suriname and sell it at affordable prices.

            Minister Persaud explained that the distribution and use of chemicals have engaged stricter attention since research has shown that the health of the farmers and their children can be seriously affected if pesticides and toxic chemicals are not safely and carefully used. In addition, farmers were advised that the application of chemicals and fertilizers is an important issue that must be taken into consideration as part of the food production and export chain.

            It was pointed out that consumers are now becoming more aware of the food they eat and the processes it has undergone from cultivation. Reference was made to the requirements by some countries to ensure that certain stringent analyses are conducted before food could be exported into their countries.

            Farmers were informed of the work of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and its role in educating farmers on these issues. It was noted that the PTCCB will be encouraged to conduct further educational activities for farmers so they can be better advised.

            In addition, farmers were told of efforts being made by the administration through GMC to source basic inputs used in farming such as chemicals and planting materials and have it made available to farmers at affordable prices. This is being explored since it has been recognised that some importers are increasing prices more than they should.

            Farmers were told that representation for such assistance could be done through an organization such as the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA). Thus, they were encouraged to pursue reformation of the Guyana Agricultural Producers Association (GAPA).

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