Renewed focus on agricultural development in hinterland
-as Agriculture Month launched in Orealla

Georgetown, GINA, October 2, 2007.

Agriculture, a vital source of livelihood, food security and economic development in Guyana is being celebrated with attention given to a renewed role for farming activities in hinterland communities.
            This was highlighted during the launch of Agriculture Month 2007 on October 1 by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud at Orealla, Region Six, under the theme ‘The Right to Food – A Reality in Guyana.’ Various personnel within the Agriculture Ministry and the Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), Guyana, were present at the event which included an official launching ceremony and an exhibition.
            Orealla, one of the country’s far-flung Amerindian communities located along the Corentyne River was identified for the launching to showcase agricultural development in the hinterland and encourage advanced farming activities.
              Minister Persaud noted that while forestry is the main activity in the hinterland, there is great potential for advanced agriculture and the intention is to utilise the  opportunity towards ensuring food security, increased economic activities and improvement of livelihood.
            He added that the price of food has been rising globally, creating tremendous opportunities for increased production and Government has recognised that hinterland communities can play a role in this process, despite the regular challenges such as geographical location and transport for products to market.
            “We want also to recognise the contributions of agriculture to various communities including those in the hinterland and to encourage expansion, supported through the various infrastructure and programmes we have put in place,” the Minister said.
            The spotlight is also aimed at encouraging more persons to support Government’s renewed thrust to modernise and expand the country’s agricultural sector through which many initiatives have been undertaken. These include restructuring of the extension services programme that include training farmers and residents as extension agents, development of a Farmers’ Manual to provide better technical support and establishment of Information Technology (IT) centres across the country to support farmers.
            Investments have also been made in drainage and irrigation and other infrastructure in various farming areas. Refashioning of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to provide better marketing information and to guide linkages between farmers and buyers is another activity to support agricultural development.  Streamlining of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) to boost research and transfer capabilities will further aid the process.
            Additionally other improvements are being done through the various Regional Administrations to support agriculture in hinterland areas. For example, in Region Six, $15M will be spent to upgrade the road between Orealla and Siparuta, another initiative that will aid transport access for farmers in these communities. This was highlighted by Regional Chairman of Region Six Zulficar Mustapha.
            Launching of Agriculture Month brought great satisfaction to residents and farmers of Orealla, according to Village Captain Mclean De Vair, who expressed optimism over Government’s plan to stimulate agriculture in their community.
            He expressed gratitude for the administration’s efforts to empower and educate Amerindians through improved infrastructure, training and provision of land titles which have resulted in a better quality of life for residents.
            “We are very thankful for what the Government has been doing for us in all areas of life, trying to educate us so we can be like any other Guyanese in this country…and we can be able to manage our resources and have better returns and living standard,” De Vair said.
            Also addressing the gathering were Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) James Singh and Resident Representative of the IICA Ignatius Jean.
Agricultural produce such as plantains, cassava, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples, bananas, limes, lemons and coconuts and various fishes, wild animals and handicraft items were showcased during the exhibition.
            Various activities have been planned for Agriculture Month in several hinterland communities including Regions One, Seven and Eight during which food security and advanced agriculture will be highlighted.
Agriculture contributes about 35 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounts for 43 percent of the country’s total earnings, and provides employment for more than 70 percent of the population. Celebration of Agriculture Month is intended to showcase development taking place in the sector and to encourage further growth.

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