More efforts being implemented to develop Region One’s agri-sector

DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, February 22, 2018

As part of their commitment to place more emphasis on the development and enhancement of Region One, Barima-Waini, the regional administration is encouraging residents to become more involved in cash crop production for 2018. This is in an effort to boost the region’s agriculture sector.

This was disclosed by the Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Mayor Henry explained that most of the region’s constituencies such as the township of Mabaruma, and Barabina Hill are striving to become independent and this initiative will assist residents to become economically secure.

“We (regional administration) give the residents seeds to go ahead and plant crops so this way they not only plant cash crops but plants to beautify the area. So, it is working but it is a case where you have to constantly monitor them to ensure that they indeed plant the seeds.”

Addressing the issue of the decline in agriculture production in the region, Mayor Henry stressed that a feasibility study needs to be conducted to pinpoint a target crop and market for the residents’ produce.

“The people within the region are not lazy but what caused them to lose interest is the fact that persons would encourage them to grow more cash crops. However, when it was time to reap the crops there was no market to sell the produce. This is one of the factors that affected the establishment of an agricultural market in the region.”

According to Mayor Henry, the region holds great agricultural potential that can transform it into a prosperous economic hub, and in this regard, the administration is currently scouting for markets.

 

By: Neola Damon