Parika packaging centre to be completed next month

Georgetown, GINA, November 14, 2007.

Efforts are being made to ensure that construction of the modern storage and packaging facility at Parika, Region Three, is completed before the end of this year, in keeping with Government’s plan to support advanced agricultural diversification.
            The $89M facility, which will cater for washing, cleaning, waxing and cool-storing of agricultural products before they are exported, is intended to further promote the non-traditional crop sector. The contract for the project was signed last April with scheduled completion within seven months.
At present, the project is more than 60 percent into its work programme and the contractor has completed the building’s basic foundation and walls. The roof and other internal works are to be completed.
The facility is being built under the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) and will seek to encourage advanced agro-processing of produce from Regions Three and Two since Parika is the hub for agricultural activities.
            It will be supported by more than 10, 000 acres of arable land, directly benefit 3000 farmers and will be the first modern agro-processing centre in the country. There are plans to construct a concrete wharf to complement the pack house since this will be advantageous for shipping directly to available markets.
This will create an opportunity for farmers to develop sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards since it will be geared to accept the best quality of produce. A certification programme will be developed, and farmers who are certified will be given preference.
Under the PRCSSP, major improvements have been done to ensure that efficient drainage and irrigation and other key services are available to support farmers in Regions Two and Three. In this regard, a large number of projects were implemented including construction of all-weather roads at Riverstown/Onderneeming in Region Two and at Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie in Region Three.
            Construction of water control structures, excavation of drains and D&I works have been done at Parika back, Naamryck, Western Hogg Island and Bonasika in Region Three while similar activities were carried out at Bethany, Supenaam Creek, Region Two. These works will ensure that farmers expand cultivation of mainly fruits and vegetables that form part of the non-traditional crop sector and are on demand at the export level. At present, Guyana exports fruits and vegetables to several Caribbean countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada and to extra-regional markets in Canada, France, United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland.   
            Focus is being placed on advancing production and securing more markets to ensure increased income of farmers and revenue for the country while at the same time utilising modern technology such as agro-processing to add more value to the agricultural products.
            This is in keeping with Guyana’s poverty reduction strategy which gives recognition to the need for improved infrastructure, support and technical services and a vibrant private sector to ensure increased agricultural development. Increased value added production and advance processing of raw material for exports are clearly outlined in the strategy.

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