Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud yesterday announced that $95M in relief is to be distributed across the country to those affected by the recent flood.

The Minister met with farmers in Supply, Unity and Victoria on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) yesterday where he distributed agricultural supplies. Residents received plants, seeds, breeding animals, vouchers, veterinary supplies and chemicals.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud checks the list of farmers in Victoria. (GINA photo)

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release last night the distribution of these supplies was done in a systematic way.
Farmers’ groups from each area, the release stated, had prepared lists of those who suffered losses and were therefore eligible for assistance. Rameshwar Wardeopersaud, a resident and farmer of Supply expressed gratitude and stated that the aid will help in the replanting of his garden.
Further, GINA said that several teams were dispatched in communities along the ECD to provide assistance to farmers who have been affected. Teams comprising veterinarians and officers from the Ministry’s Crops and Livestock Division, as well as the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) were deployed.

Meanwhile the Ministry’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, according to GINA, will continue to monitor the situation. President Bharrat Jagdeo following a trip to the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary creeks had announced that he would allocate $100M to assist farmers who have been affected by the rainfall.