Agri Minister visits farmers in Regions 1 & 2
– agri. development plan in the pipeline
Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder recently conducted an outreach to the villages of Waramuri, Manawarin and Kumaka, in Region One and Aberdeen and Friendship in Pomeroon, Region 2.
During the meetings, Minister Holder listened to and proposed solutions to the various agriculture-related problems that the residents raised. He also gave them an overview of the plans the ministry intends to implement to develop agriculture in these regions.
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- Meeting at Manawarin Village on 28 Feb with Toshao Schambach John.
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- Meeting at Manawarin on 28 February 2019.
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- Meeting at Kumaka on 28 Feb. with Councillor Aloysius Daniels.
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- Meeting at Kumaka on 1 March 2019.
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- Meeting at Aberdoon, Pomeroon – On the Minister’s left is Mr. Sheldon English, chairman of the Moruca-Phoenix Park NDC and on the right is Mr. Michael Bradley, resident of the community.
Among some of the issues raised was that of Acoushi ants, damage to crops by wild animals, water (drainage and irrigation), lack of fertilisers (organic and inorganic), transportation to markets, low prices for produce, red palm mite infestation, lack of certified dealers in agro-chemicals and sources of planting materials.
Minister Holder pointed out that in addition to the budgetary allocation, the Moruca sub-region will benefit from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) funded Hinterland Project. He went on to state that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will be active in ensuring that the Drainage and Irrigation needs are met both in the Pomeroon and the Moruca sub-region.
The New Guyana Marketing Corporation will be visiting the area imminently to link the farmers to markets.
A commitment was given that, if the communities provide the names of reputable shop owners, the Ministry will undertake to support these individuals being licensed to sell Agro-chemicals.
The Ministry also undertook to lend support in developing plant nurseries in the communities.
Minister Holder’s team comprised, Mr. George Jervis, Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Nigel Cumberbatch, CEO, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, CEO, National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute, Mr. Dave Hicks, CEO (ag), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Mr. Denzil Roberts, Chief Fisheries Officer and Dr. Garvin Cummings, Chief Hydrometerological Officer, Hydromet Department.