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Soesdyke/Linden farming areas in line for expanded agriculture - Minister Persaud
by GINA News
Posted: Aug 14, 2007 17:09 UTC
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GEORGETOWN (GINA) - Farming areas located along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway are strategically positioned for further agricultural advancement and Government is committed to making the necessary investments that will realise the potential in these areas.
This statement was made by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during his address to farmers and residents of Kuru Kururu and Laluni on August 12. The Minister’s meetings in the two communities are part of his ongoing countrywide outreaches to engage farmers in discussions on agricultural development.
According to Minister Persaud, farming activities along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway have attracted the attention of several foreign investors, some of whom are interested in establishing semi-commercial farms for cultivation of ground provisions, fruits and vegetables. This interest is stimulated by the location’s proximity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, which can facilitate easier export of agricultural produce to both regional and international markets.
“They want their cargo to get quickly to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; so you are sitting right here and to them, this becomes a prime area,” the Minister said.
The Government with support from the United States Government is investing in the construction of a cool-storage facility at the CJIA to cater for agricultural export. A contract has already been awarded for the project and works are scheduled to start shortly. Additionally, a firm operating in the US and Trinidad and Tobago is exploring the possibility of daily flights to Canada or North America depending on the base-load, starting at 96, 000 pounds of produce while a local aircraft operator has expressed interest in a similar arrangement with smaller quantities of fresh produce.
Farmers were urged to look forward to these opportunities which can benefit them, the community and the country’s agricultural sector. They were told that they can explore the possibility of forming joint ventures with the investors which will give farmers the opportunity to be exposed to advanced technology and improved practices. They were also advised to form groups through which they will be empowered to make their own investments and work collaboratively to develop their communities’ agriculture.
Government’s focus on further agricultural development in the Soesdyke/Linden has resulted in extensive work being done by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission on developing a land-use plan.
Farmers were given the opportunity to express themselves during which they highlighted various issues of concern, including the availability of planting material, focus on bee-keeping and the introduction of improved technology. They were told that investments are currently being made to expand the National Agricultural Research Institute’s (NARI) plant nursery while 40, 000 citrus plants will be made available this year. However, farmers were advised that the establishment and operation of plant nurseries should be done privately by farmers themselves while NARI will provide the necessary assistance.
The establishment of demonstration plots to introduce new technology is another activity that could be organized by farmers with help from NARI. These activities could be done by farmers as part of the ‘new agriculture’ which takes into account a business-like approach, Minister Persaud told the gathering.
The Minister told farmers that apiculture or bee-keeping has been identified as one of the potential growth areas that could stimulate agricultural diversification. A national committee has been established and has formulated a programme to lead the industry’s development.
Residents also spoke about the need for the upgrading of roads in both Kuru Kururu and Laluni. Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Four, Mohamed Khan, said a contract for the Kuru Kururu works will be re-tendered shortly while the RDC will review the situation in the other community.
The need for enhanced drainage and irrigation was raised at both meetings and a follow-up meeting was arranged with residents and officials of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Regional Democratic Council, Region Four, for discussions on an appropriate work programme.
Mostly cherries and peppers are cultivated in Laluni while ground provisions and citrus are grown in Kuru Kururu.
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