Government intends to improve farming areas including the front lands of Black Bush Polder (BBP) and to redevelop agricultural activities by constructing a $250M drying floor, in the area.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, this issue was highlighted at a farmers’ meeting at Phillipi with Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, various senior officials from the ministry and farmers from surrounding communities. The agenda also included drainage and irrigation (D&I) which farmers said need to be improved, dam access and more marketing information and support for rice farmers.
Farmers told Persaud of their interest in re-cultivating land at BBP. In response the minister told the group that the government is currently investing in activities that will help them. Already close to $16M in D&I works have been completed in the area using excavators that were procured at a cost of about $30M. Persaud said the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority will be assessing the situation to determine the necessary interventions.
The need for repairs to a sluice which is not functioning properly due to erosion was also discussed. Regional Chairman, Zulfikar Mustapha, said funds will be made available in the 2008 budget to undertake the work. Farmers also spoke about the need for improvement to a dam that provides access into the farmlands.
It was agreed that farmers would use their equipment with two drums of fuel provided by the ministry, to improve the dam.
The issue of seed paddy in Region Six was raised and the minister said that government will be spending $250M on two major projects to construct a drying floor at BBP and a seed paddy plant at No.56 Village, Corentyne. This is to improve the quality of seed available that will result in better yields.
He also said that a $1.6B loan facility was established under the Rice Competitiveness Project and will provide loans to stakeholders at an interest rate ranging from 6 to 11 per cent. Additionally, major investments are being made in D&I in the region.
At present there are five excavators working at various areas in the region. Persaud also said that about $300M worth of equipment will be bought shortly including bulldozers, as government intends to provide equipment to various regional administrations to improve access dams.
