Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud on Saturday met with Essequibo farmers at the Affiance Multi-Purpose Centre to inform them of steps being taken in the agriculture sector to cushion the effects of rising fuel costs and to maintain drainage systems in order to maximise production.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Persaud, in his address to farmers at Affiance, said government had stopped issuing licences to millers unless they had cleared 90% of their debt from the previous crop after farmers had complained about unfair prices. In addition to this measure farmers are benefiting from the increased prices on the world market and government is taking several other initiatives to cushion the effects of the rising cost of fuel and fertilizer worldwide. The minister also said the excise tax on diesel has been cut to zero and the impact of that initiative will soon be felt. Additionally, government, through the Rice Producers Association, is seeking alternative sources for fertilizer that could be acquired at a cheaper cost. Persaud said the plan is to reduce input cost to maximize production.
Meanwhile, more than $700M is being spent to improve the D&I systems along the coast. At the Charity NDC Office, where the “Grow More” campaign was launched, Persaud told the gathering that there is an increased demand for agricultural products from Guyana. He cited export figures from last year with showed that exports in all agricultural products from Guyana (except sugar) had increased by between 20 and 30 per cent.
Persaud said that unlike other similar campaigns this one will be market driven and managed by the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) which is tasked with finding markets and matching farmers to these markets. This strategy will prevent wastage as it will allow the GMC to provide information on the crops in demand and match them with markets. The GMC is also expected to collaborate with agencies such as the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the ministry’s Other Crops and Livestock Department to increase the quality of the produce for the international market.
To fuel this drive, several training sessions will be organised to introduce ‘best practices’. Persaud encouraged the farmers to utilise these sessions since they are aimed at improving their productivity. He said too Agricultural Extension Officers will be appointed to service the growing needs of farmers.
