Region Two receiving significant support for advanced agriculture

Georgetown, GINA, October 31, 2007.

Construction of a major double-door sluice at Westbury on the Essequibo Coast is nearing completion while another has started at Golden Fleece in keeping with Government’s ongoing programme to revitalize agriculture in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
            These structures are being built under the Rice Competitiveness Project through which more than $750M is being spent to ensure improved water management for farmers in Region Two. The investment includes rehabilitation of the Dawa pump station and replacement of the four pumps installed at the facility located at the Tapakuma Irrigation System.
            When completed, these works will provide improved irrigation services to farmers especially those involved in rice cultivation throughout the Essequibo Coast. This will result in increased production, improved income and better living standards.
            These investments are among the many being made by the administration to support further agricultural development in Region Two which is mainly dependent on farming. The majority of residents on the Essequibo Coast are involved in rice cultivation while others are engaged in either cash crop farming or cattle rearing. In the Pomeroon, most of the population is engaged in other crop farming such as citrus and ground provisions.
            At present, two excavators are being used to improve drainage in the upper and lower Pomeroon. The machines, which were made available in fulfillment of a promise to residents by President Bharrat Jagdeo, are being used to construct dams and dig new drains in various farmlands. The works are being done according to a programme schedule being managed by committees of the upper and lower Pomeroon.  Pontoons were also provided by Government to aid the transport of the machines.
            Chairman of the Lower Pomeroon Excavator Management Committee Derek Gonsalves said 49 miles of dams have already been built and are aiding farmers significantly.
He noted that while it is recognised that there are still many other farms awaiting such improvements, residents are very grateful for the investment.
            “The people of Pomeroon are very thankful to the President for giving us this wonderful gift. Farmers are very happy with the Government’s support especially in terms of drainage,” he stated.
            Gonsalves pointed out that one of the main difficulties facing Pomeroon farmers is the availability of markets for their produce.
Over the past years, significant efforts have been made by Government to address this problem while other initiatives are being further explored. Through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), efforts have been made to link farmers to buyers from the Caribbean and overseas while agro-processing activities are being encouraged. Establishment of a mini-packaging facility is planned for Charity to cater for processing of fruits and vegetables from the Pomeroon and surrounding areas.
           

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