Leading by example

—MOA encourages everyone to get on board and reap the benefits of its kitchen garden initiative

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Earlier today, the Rural Affairs Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture started its kitchen garden as part of the ministry’s Rural Entrepreneurial Agricultural Project (REAP) which features a COVID-19 Relief Kitchen Garden Initiative.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, with responsibility of Rural Affairs, the Hon. Valerie Adams-Yearwood explained the ministry’s direct involvement.

“Today, [at the ministry], we have started our own kitchen garden and we encourage other ministries, churches, clubs and schools to get on board, so they can establish their garden plot.”

The agricultural ministry’s kitchen garden provides options for persons who are interested in participating but have limited or no yard space.

“For persons who do not have space in their yards to make beds, you can buy containers or use old buckets and tubs to plant [and start your organic kitchen garden],” minister Adams-Yearwood reiterated.

Boulanger, calaloo, ohcro, peppers and sweet peppers are crops that have been planted on the ministry’s premises.

The Agricultural Minister said, “We at the ministry are encouraging everyone to participate in the initiative because within two to three months, you can reap the benefits.”

The Minister highlighted the benefits of owning a kitchen garden including saving money, eating organically (healthier), reducing trips to public places such as markets and supermarket. S

he also noted that tending to the garden is an excellent way of coping with stress during the coronavirus pandemic.

Registration is available until June 6, 2020, and interested persons can uplift forms at the Ministry’s Head Office on Regent Street, or their Regional Agricultural Offices or their Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils. Forms are also available on the ministry’s website and Facebook page.