Exports of non-traditional agricultural produce increased last year over the previous year by 165 tonnes contributing US$6 million ($1.2 billion) to the country’s export earnings.
Highlighting and reviewing the performance of the agricultural sector at a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom last Friday, Minister Robert Persaud said that for the period January to November 2006, 4,437 tonnes of non-traditional agricultural produce were exported, compared with 4,272 tonnes for the same period in 2005.
The minister did not state whether the increase though small was as a result of the sector’s expanded efforts to trigger crop diversification. However, the ministry is currently working on an agricultural diversification strategy.It was in December 2006, that an Agriculture Diversification Summit, which addressed issues pertaining to the programme, was conducted with input from a wide cross-section of stakeholders.
The Plant Quarantine Unit conducted inspections of agricultural commodities and other regulated articles prior to export for the purpose of preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases in keeping with the requirements of importing countries.
To ensure agreements were upheld with countries that Guyana has protocol arrangements Farm Certification exercises were also conducted. In the area of livestock, the minister said, the Ministry has intensified efforts to finalize arrangements for the export of chicken.
And in response to the stunted growth phenomenon, first highlighted in April 2006, the ministry launched a $5 million programme in October that saw countrywide vaccination, distribution of vitamins, an assessment by regional poultry specialists and the development of standards for poultry feed production.
Additionally, an Avian Influenza prevention programme that featured stakeholder seminars in all the regions was introduced along with the production of Avian Influenza manuals for distribution to farmers. Thousands of farmers were also the beneficiaries of veterinary supplies and services.
With regard to beef exports Persaud noted that a Beef Export Seminar had been held at the Hotel Tower followed by a training programme for identified pilot farmers in the beef and diary industries. He emphasized the fact that quantities of beef are already being exported to two Caricom states with interest expressed by several other persons.
In keeping with this, Foot and Mouth disease is being kept under surveillance. Persaud reported that focus is currently on Foot and Mouth disease surveillance in Region Nine with emphasis on the upgrading of camps and construction of drive through dips for vehicle crossings. The programme was launched in October with the support of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO).
