Cattle barge to beef up agricultural development in savannahs

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 9, 2018

As the Ministry of Agriculture advances efforts to boost agricultural development of the Savannah areas, a cattle barge will now provide farmers transportation along the Berbice River.

Speaking at a recent forum, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder indicated that in an effort to shape agriculture for a green economy, integrated, social and economic development is required.

“The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] is in the process of completing the 12-mile road from the Tacama into the Ebini Agricultural Station and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has improved the road from Mackenzie to Ituni. This is progress,” Minister Holder said.

Additionally, more reliable river transport is in place as GLDA has procured a $50 million cattle barge to transport animals for the farmers in the Berbice River and the Intermediate Savannahs.

Minister Holder stated that his ministry remains committed to ensuring that agriculture is developed in all Savannah areas.

“I can assure you that these benefits will continue, the benefits to be accrued are tremendous and can eventually lead to village industry economies and area that the government is committed to developing and enhance the livelihood of our people,” the Agriculture Minister related.

Areas in the Intermediate Savannas including Kasarama, Ebini, Kimbia, Fort Nassau on the East of the Berbice River and Wiruni, Ituni and Kibilibiri on the west, have a rich agricultural history, Minister Holder noted.

Due to this fact, a 54,000-acre agricultural station has been established at Ebini. The station is responsible for investigating the constraints to beef production while realising the economic agricultural potential of the Intermediate Savannahs. Similar agriculture stations, which will demonstrate the agricultural potential of major eco-zones, will be established shortly. 

Ranetta La Fleur.

Image: Karime Peters.