Ministry of Agriculture of Guyana

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2006 IN AGRCULTURAL SECTOR BY THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, HON. ROBERT M. PERSAUD, MBA, MP

Introduction

The year 2006 was a challenging one. Amid various challenges, the sector experienced the flooding of early 2006 and the roll-over effects of the 2005 flood; the assassination of Minister Sawh; and adjustments required resulting from the EU sugar price cut and other trade-related developments.

Despite these however, the sector was able to record credible performance and sustain significant contribution to the economy.

Timely adjustments were made in response to the impact of floods and appropriate response was conducted through collaborative efforts among the Ministry’s agencies. Emphasis was on animal welfare, health and food safety.

In keeping with the principles of the NDS and the National Competitiveness Strategy, regarding the need for diversification, the Ministry of Agriculture has intensified its efforts, which focus on the production and marketing of non-traditional commodities.

Semi-autonomous agencies and Departments which fall under the Ministry of Agriculture are: the Guyana Sugar Corporation, the Guyana Rice Development Board; the Guyana Forestry Commission; the New Guyana Marketing Corporation,; the National Agricultural Research Institute; the MMA/ADA Authority; the National drainage and Irrigation Authority; the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board; the Hydromet Department; the Fisheries Department; the Crops and Livestock Department;

You would recall that there were two ministries but since the departure of Mr. Navin Chandarpal, there was the return to one Ministry under the late Minister Sawh as was the case until 1997. This process continued under acting Minister Nokta until the August 2006 elections and was completed with my appointment in September. There is only now – the Ministry of Agriculture.

1. NON-TRADITIONAL CROPS & EXPORTS

Export volume for non-traditional Agricultural produce and products for the period January – November 2006 was 4,437 tonnes as compared to 4,272 tonnes for the same period in 2005. The value of exports for the period January to November 2006 was G$ 1.2 billion or US$ 6.0 million. This represents an increase in production of exports and export earnings.

2. LIVESTOCK

Distribution of Veterinary Supplies: Thousands offarmers benefited from veterinary supplies and services.

Response to stunted growth in Broilers : In response to this situation which surfaced in April, the Ministry in October launched a $5M programme which saw a countrywide vaccination programme, distribution of vitamins, an assessment by a regional poultry specialists and the development of standards for poultry feed production.

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: A Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory was inaugurated by President Jagdeo.

Avian Influenza Prevention Programme: Avian Influenza Programme Stakeholders seminars were held in all Regions. A draft Avian Influenza Manuals were prepared for distribution to farmers.

Foot and Mouth Disease Surveillance: Focus is currently on Foot & Mouth Disease Surveillance in Region No. 9 with emphasis on upgrading of camps and construction of drive through dips for vehicle crossings. This programme with help from PAHO was launched in October.

CATTLE:

1,980 Artificial insemination (A.I.) services rendered in regions 2-6 and 709 A.I. calves tagged

667 milk quality tests were conducted in 2006.

101 training and extension activities were conducted

A National Cattle Farmers Congress was held

Export of Livestock: A Beef Export Seminar was held at the Tower Hotel followed by a Training Programme for farmers identified pilot farmers in the beef and dairy industries. Already, quantities of beef is being exported to two CARICOM states which interest expressed by several others. Efforts to finalize arrangements for the exportation of Chicken intensified.

Plant Quarantine - The Unit conducted inspections of agricultural commodities and other regulated articles prior to export for the purpose of preventing the introduction and/ spread of pests and diseases and in keeping with the import requirements of importing countries. Farm Certification was conducted for exports of agricultural commodities to Countries with Protocol agreements with Guyana.

3. RICE

Rice Production and Exports

Production and export was better than the previous year. The table below shows the production for 2005, 2006.

2005

2006

Actual

Actual

Area Sowed (ha)

114,685

110,273

Harvested (ha)

106,645

102,083

Yield (bags/ac)

63

72

Paddy Prod (mt.)

420,365

468,730

Rice Prod (mt.)

273,237

306,828

Export (mt.)

182,175

204,296

Export Value (US $)

46,172,149

54,425,740

The projected target was affected in 2006 was mainly due to the losses of approximately 12,000 acres in the first crop due to flooding and damage by cattle.

The increase in yield from a projected 68 bags per hectare to 72 bags per hectare contributed to an increase in the production for the second crop.

The worrying issue of non-payment for paddy by millers is being addressed through a number of measures including the amendment to the Rice Factories Act which was tabled in December 21, 2006 in the National Assembly.

4. SUGAR

Actual production for the period was 259,491 tonnes.

The Guyana Action Plan in response to the EU cut in price was completed

GuySuCo has put forward the Enmore Packaging Project for the initial €5.66m available from the EU for 2006

Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project is moving ahead and is slated for completion in February 2008. For example:

Bagasse storage building 90% complete

VHP foundations 75% complete

Bulk fuel storage 75% complete

Cane preparation plant 15%

Process house building 75% complete

Chemical water treatment house building 75% complete

Power house building (turbine end) 50% complete

Diffuser structure 15% complete

Electrostatic Precipitator support structure 75% complete

H060 boiler pressure parts 75% complete

H061 boiler pressure parts 30% complete

Guysuco met its entire EU and US bulk sugar commitments despite the lower than budgeted production.

EU Sugar Protocol - 173,554 tonnes against budget of 167,000 tonnes. Including shortfall reallocations of approximately 3,000 tonnes for 2005/2006 delivery year.

EU Special Preferential Sugars - 6,885 tonnes against budget of 3,000 tonnes

US Quota - 22,400 tonnes against budget of 24,000 tonnes. Guyana benefited from increased quota due to hurricane destruction of the US sugar crop. Initial quota of 13,953 tonnes was increased to 21,561 tonnes for the 2005/2006 delivery year.

Packaged Sugars and bagged Demerara Gold sales increased from 3,857 tonnes in 2005 to 4,731.56 in 2006. Sales to the EU of bagged Demerara Gold increased from 900 tonnes to 1,777.5 tonnes. Packaged sugar was exported to 11 countries.

Two new products, Demerara Brown and Demerara White were introduced to export markets, with good responses. The growth of the packaged sugar market has been phenomenal from 500 tonnes in 2003 to 4,731.56 in 2006. All production was sold easily.

The sachet market is also expanding significantly. Some 600,000 sachets were sold in 2006, almost doubling 2005 sales of 313,200 tonnes.

The East Demerara Estates recorded commendable performance considering setbacks from flooding.

5. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

During 2006, the National Agricultural Research Institute focused on crops, soils, plant genetic resources, pest management, post harvest, agro processing and livestock production.

Crops

Cow Pea and Soybean evaluation

Acclimatization of New Sweet Potato Varieties to the Linden Highway.

vegetative propagation techniques

Multi-location trials of carrot on farmer’s fields

Organic Pineapple Production

Edible Mushroom Cultivation

Papaya and Cauliflower Cultivation

Adaptability of Scotch Bonnet (“Bullnose”) hot peppers.

The launching of its ‘drip irrigation system’

Post Harvest and Agro processing

Pectin Production - This substance is a key ingredient in the manufacture of jams, jellies, marmalade and yogurt.

Dehydration of Perishable Crop Produce

Production:

The following were produced for sale to the farming community:

Ducklings

Breeding rams

Plants

Acoushi Ant Bait

Vegetable seeds

6. AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES

Expansion of research activities were conducted to meet the specific needs of farming communities based on feedback from the Extension Services Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The need for an enhanced integration between extension and research was recognised. A plan for a restructured Extension Service was completed.

7. FORESTRY

Export sales of US$58.7M compared to US$48.6M in 2005, an increase of 20.8%.

Training was funded by UNDP at a cost of US$22,000.00 on modules including Forest Laws, Forest Inventory, Forest Management

Award of the first logging concession to the Rupununi Timbers Association and establishment of a forest office at Annai was conducted through assistance from the Annai RDC.

The Forestry training Centre Inc. (FTCI) continued to provide training in Reduced Impact Logging and will benefit from an additional US$400,000.00 grant from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).

Audit of the Log Tracking System and Establishment of the Legal Verification System was conducted to undertake a comprehensive audit of the log tracking system in Guyana.

8. GUYANA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE

Extensive rehabilitation of student dormitories, staff houses, laboratories, library, cafeteria and food processing unit took place as a result of the damage caused by the 2005 flood.

A Feed Lot was constructed on the Livestock Farm.

70 students graduated from the various programmes.

The School benefited from donations of two high powered microscopes from PAHO/WHO and IICA and ten (10) new complete Computers and printers from His Excellency the President of Guyana, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

9. HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SERVICE

Implementation of project to double the number of weather monitoring stations started in December and will increase the number of stations from 50 to 100

Investigated meteorological and water resources phenomena to the extent of warning

Commence works for installation of radar - Contract signed for Radar Tower. Computerisation of 30 years archived and current data.

10. AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION

With changes in the global market, the Ministry of Agriculture has intensified focus on Agricultural diversification. The Ministry is currently working on an Agricultural Diversification Strategy.

In December 2006, an Agriculture Diversification Summit was conducted and comprehensively addressed issues pertaining to this programme, with input from a wide cross section of stakeholders.

11. FISHERIES

Training was conducted in basic aquaculture and the rearing of fish and cultivation of rice.

A National Aquaculture Association of Guyana, (NAAG) was established.

Fingerlings were made available to farmers and identification of several local species for use in brackish water aquaculture was conducted

Completion of the Fisheries Management Plan

Approval of the Arapaima Management Plan.

Assessment of the sea bob resources.

Recertification by the U.S. to export shrimp etc.

Process has started for the reformation of the Fisheries Advisory Committee.

12.NATIONAL DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION AUTHORITY

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), coming into effect from 1 st January 2006. The Board was inaugurated in November, 2006.

Actual Expenditure G’$M - 1,455,754

90 miles of rehabilitated canals and drains at Mainstay, Unu Creek, Westbury to Cozier in Region 2; Wakenaam, Leguan, Vreed-en-Hoop to Vergenogen and Canals Polder in Region 3; Mocha to Timehri, Mahaica Creek to Plaisance in Region 4; Mahaicony Creek to Bath in Region 5; Crabwood Creek to Mara in Region 6 and Linden/Wismar in Region 10.

Construct and rehabilitate 9 miles of earthen embankment at Capoey conservancy in Region 2; EDWC, Enmore and Mahaica River in Region 4; Pert Biaboo and Pert Village in Region 5.

2,000 ft. timber revetment constructed at Georgia sluice, La Retraite and Boerasire conservancy in Region 3; Flag Staff, Lama Canal in the EDWC, Anns Grove, Supply, Enmore, Cane Grove and Mahaica in Region 4 and Pert Biaboo in Region 5

Construct and rehabilitate culverts and structures at Marias Lodge, Iturbisi, La Union, Good Hope, Three Friends, Lima, Sparta, Aurora and Cullen and Charity sluice in Region 2; Northern and Western Hogg Island, Northern Leguan in Region 3; Supply Mahaica in Region 4; Perth, Mortice and Sukdeo Canal, Mahaicony in Region 5.

Construct and rehabilitate sluices at Charity in Region 2; La Ladrie, Friendship, Anns Grove, Hoppe, Triumph and Company Canal, Buxton in Region 4.

Procurement and installation of 2 mobile pumps at #19 and #42 Corentyne in Region 6 and rehabilitation of the Trafalgar pumps in Region 5

Water Users: Works were contracted to established Water Users Associations in the sum of over $100.0 M to undertake maintenance works in the secondary D & I system at Crabwood Creek, 52/74, Black Bush, Cane Grove, Victoria, Canals Polder, Vreed-en-Hoop/ La Jalousie, Den Amstel.

Maintenance works were also awarded to CDC Groups especially in Regions 3, 4 and 10. This is all in keeping with Government’s policy of involving farmers and beneficiaries in the maintenance of the D & I system.

Procurement of excavators for emergency drainage works: Some 350 miles of canals and drains were rehabilitated and maintained using the 19 hydraulic excavators in the various Regions. The approximate savings compare to the utilization of contractors was some $500,000 per mile – a total savings of $175.0M.

Mobile Pumps:

The Government has acquired over the years some 22 mobile pumps which are presently located at strategic points along the coast. These pumps have assisted strategically to ensure that floods are minimized especially in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6.

13. MAHAICA MAHAICONY ABARY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY

Acquisition of Equipment under the Italian Soft Loan approximately $798.0 million: Bulldozers, Excavators, Tractors, Trucks etc

Reconstruction of the Drainage and Irrigation infrastructure in villages (inclusive of Engineering Surveys etc. as directed by His Excellency. Plans handed over to Local agencies, NDC’s, RDC.)

Rehabilitation/Construction of Primary Drainage and Irrigation infrastructure of Phase 1 – MMA

Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Secondary Drainage and Irrigation infrastructure.

Infrastructural works project – 14,000 acres South MARDS to Gordon Table

Façade extension from Hyde Park to Guiana Grove – Right Bank Mahaicony

Hyde Park Sluice – Replace two (2) gates

Work on outfall sluice – Guiana Grove and Rehabilitation of Bellamy Canal.

15. PESTICIDES

The Proposal for the amendment to the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act (No. 13 of 2000) was approved.

Analytical Framework –building for housing the pesticides laboratory was completed; and the procurement of the equipment for the laboratory commenced in 2006.

Training - The development of a training manual on the safe use and management for pesticides was completed; and The Board participated and conducted a number of training sessions for farmers.

Enforcement - The Board approved of the construction of a database for pesticides in Guyana; Vending Premises throughout Guyana has been inspected (107) and licensed (93); List of prohibited pesticides (22) was approved and signed by the Minister and gazetted as well as published in the newspapers; The Board commenced receiving dossier for the registration of pesticides (141) in Guyana.

16. PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY THE MINISTRY

a. Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (RCSSP):

The main objective of the project to provide efficient and sustainable support services to rural communities in Regions 2 and 3 with a particular focus on poor rural households, Amerindian communities and households headed by women to the value of US$14.2 million.

D & I Works were carried out on fourteen (14) sub-projects.

civil works, were carried out on twenty-one (21) sub-projects.

Training programs were undertaken during 2006

A Farmers Guide was compiled for distribution to the farmers and other stakeholders. Under the credit component, a further G$114 M was disbursed to poor rural farmers and micro-entrepreneurs in loans to foster their development.

b. RICE COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT

The 11.5M Euro “Rice Competitiveness Programme” aims at making our rice industry more competitive through water management works, provision of technical and institutional assistance research and development and extension services.

Activities conducted include the following:

Technical Assistance - A € 2.4 million contract was signed in May between Cariforum and Agrifor Consult for the provision of TA services to the rice sectors of Guyana and Suriname.

Training and Seminars - A total of 66 training sessions were conducted by the project targeting more than 2284 stakeholders in the rice industry

Water Rehabilitation - Contracts totaling more than G$ 732 million have been awarded in November 2006 for the water rehabilitation component of the project in Region 2.

Approximately G$ 3.0 billion worth of investment into the local rice sector have been channeled through the project within a 5-month period.

c. Agricultural Support Services Programme (ASSP)

The primary objective of the programme is to rehabilitate Drainage and Irrigation structures, organize farmers to manage the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of rehabilitated structures and support rice research and agricultural diversification. Funding is provided through an IDB loan of US$25 million.

Activities conducted include:

D & I Institutional Development – In the area of Water Users Association Support: Nine WUAs are executing functions in the 5 project areas, Eight WUAs are collecting D & I Rates and Service Agreements were prepared for four WUAs

Rice Seeds Development - This component is being executed by the GRDB through an MOU between the GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture.

January 5, 2007