Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud says a number of initiatives are being implemented to revitalise the coconut industry and as such he urged farmers to expand cultivation to create employment.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the minister and a team attended an exhibition hosted by coconut farmers at the Agriculture Extension Training Centre at Charity, Region Two. The exhibition showcased efforts farmers were making in enhancing their produce and formed part of the activities for Agriculture Month.
Persaud reminded farmers to always think of their crop as a primary component which can be used as a base for other products. At a workshop in August to address revitalizing the industry, the ministry had indicated that Guyana was pursuing support from India, and several South American countries to boost these efforts, particularly to obtain new varieties. It also said that two new coconut nurseries would be established at the Hope estate, East Coast Demerara.
In his address at the exhibition, the minister noted that Guyana has since been able to create an international demand for coconuts. “Today there is a renewed interest for the demand of coconuts because of government’s intervention in the revitalization of the industry,” he said. Since the start of the year 4,286 tonnes of coconut were exported to Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.
There are currently 24,000 hectares of coconuts countrywide and according to Persaud; more can be done to expand the industry. “We can get more out of this industry but because of the abandonment of some estate owners there is a reduction,” he said, adding that government aims to revive the industry and create jobs. The need for a better drainage system was highlighted and to address this, a committee was established to provide support.
Director of the National Agricultural Research Institute, Dr Oudho Homenauth also said revitalising the industry is important for agriculture diversification. He noted that recently a forum was held aimed at establishing strategies to do so and they have so far proved successful. He also said the industry could thrive if maintained as it has the capacity to withstand flooding and drought to some extent though pest management may pose some problems.
Additionally, Chief Crops and Livestock Officer Brian Sears reminded farmers of basic plant health activities. He said that there have not been many reported cases of plant health issues but recently the problem with caterpillars had surfaced and was addressed.
GINA said General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation Nizam Hassan also briefed farmers on marketing opportunities and encouraged them to get involved in the committee which will ensure good business ethics and create more market opportunities.
I was looking at a TV Program the other day on Sri Lanka where lots of coconuts are grown.
The tree climbers uses a sort of a sliding ladder arrangements that make it very essy to climb the trees. it is so easy to use that even women are using this equipment to do the picking.
The equipment was also designed with health and Safety in mind such that there was no recorded accidents.
Maybe it is worthwile bringing a few of these to Guyana, tryiong them out and fabraciting them if suitable.
A business opportunity for someone!!!!!
Great information. Guyanese take note, this could make coconut picking alot easier for prospective climbers.
Good move to improve the industry. Many lost a source of livelihood when the huge influx of imported vegetable and corn oil came inot the country. About time this industry was restored. Coconut is a low maintenance farming that produces all year round.
r persaud. According to Borapoke a while back, he suggested that a colony of monkeys will do a better job of picking the coconuts. Cheaper also.
This was a thriving industry under Burnham. Our families made money from selling coconut oil after foreign oil became scarce. Good to see it being revived. The entreprenuership and innovation unleashed in Guyana during LFSB adminstration must re-surfaced and supported in order for Guyana to be able to feed, clothe and house itself. Remember Khalil Gibran “Pity the nation”
Alleyne. Not so fast. Burnham inherited a thriving coconut industry. He was the person that started the demise of the coconut industry. He did so to spite one section of the population. He said so openly. I am no fan of the PPP, but let us call a spade a spade. Burnham turned down a lucrative coconut expansion and export offer from the Chinese, because he felt that only one section of guyanese would benefit and he will not allow that to happen. My dad had a coconut mill. We produced coconut oil and copra on a large scale.
Guyana is a rich land with so very many enriching resources.
Mr Persaud is being perceptive when he reminded farmers to always think of their coconut crop as a primary component which can be used as a base for other products.
Growing up in Guyana, my family was so poor that WE WERE THAT PROVERBIAL FAMAILY who only had rice and oil to eat on occasions.
I borrowed my books from my school libriary however never considered stealing books for my own ‘enlightenment’. Although my family depended on their seasonal rice crop; we gradually realised the worth of our neglected coconut-walk and began a very nice earning stream of drying coconut and selling copra in Georgetown. Never to eat oil and rice again.
Coconut CAN INDEED be a primary crop, Mr Persaud. You are on to something there.
OMG, Guyana has so many untouched possibilities, with the vast amount of fruits, vegetables and the lists goes on. Entrepreneurs! get to work and start making some money in Guyana and overseas.