As the agriculture ministry continues to promote diversification from the traditional rice cultivation, it has focused on drainage and irrigation (D&I) works at Wakenaam Island in Region Three to facilitate the programme.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, during a farmers’ meeting held on Wednesday in Wakenaam, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud discussed possible interventions that could be made to further boost agricultural activities on the island. One of the main issues highlighted was D&I and its role in advanced agriculture and diversification activities. Though they acknowledged that drainage has improved, farmers said more needs to be done.

In response, they were told that the ministry, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will collaborate with the Regional Administration and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to determine additional works. According to GINA, last year an excavator was redeployed for several months to Wakenaam, from the Essequibo Coast, to carry out major drainage works. The equipment has since been reassigned to Leguan, which also needs urgent works. Additionally, technical personnel from the NDIA have visited the island often to monitor the works.

Persaud noted that efforts are being made to purchase an excavator for Region Three to service the Essequibo Islands. It was also pointed out that the ministry will explore the possibility of supplementing the programme by moving the excavator from Leguan back to Wakenaam to complete works that are in progress.

Farmers were told that the Agricultural Diversification Project, which will come on stream this year, will make available resources and capacity to further push such activities in Wakenaam and other areas. They were advised that ministry officials can work on developing a diversification plan for their community.

GINA said in addition to a sheep breeding programme that was introduced last year, with assistance from the British High Commission, farmers were also encouraged to focus on other crops especially fruits and vegetables, livestock and fisheries. At the same time, they were told to take advantage of the market opportunities that exist for crops such as rice, for which international demand has increased significantly.