BONASIKA/HOGG ISLAND FARMERS URGED TO BE MODERN DESPITE CHALLENGES FACED
Farmers in the Hogg Island and Bonasika communities at a recent meeting with the minister of Agriculture highlighted several concerns in regards to their livelihoods. Among the issues affecting the farmers were the lack of adequate drainage and irrigation, bat infestation, the deteriorating condition of the docking facility and its availability to farmers, and the high cost of fertilizer.
The Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud in response to the irrigation and drainage situation said that his extension officers will look into it. He noted that there is room for improvement on behalf of the regional administration because the main issue at hand was the maintenance of the structures.
He noted especially that the far flung agricultural communities are crucial to the Diversification programme. He said that although resources were limited, emphasis by the administration was being placed on not only increasing production but also utilizing the best technology available to increase productivity.
Persaud said Gov’t “just don’t want u to produce more but we want u to become modern farmers and that is why we are training you in all aspects; from production to post harvesting because we don’t want you to be disadvantaged in one way or another.”
Another packaging plant will be built complete with a cold storage facility and an upgraded data base for the farmers in the Communities. The packaging plant will cost $30 million and is part of the Agricultural Diversification Programme.
The farmers were encouraged to be more organized and to nurture their growth to ensure expansion. The minister said that there has been growing interest by livestock farmers in the area of agricultural diversification, positive development, and enhancement of agricultural practices. The farmers were urged to report any veterinary officer who was demanding payments for services rendered. Persaud said services were to be free except medications.
He added that while there are constraints, government is focused and committed to ensuring that the needs of its people are addressed; to ensure that there are opportunities, facilities and services available.
Story taken from Guyana Times
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