MMA/ADA urged to engage with farmers

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has urged the MMA/ADA Board to engage farmers on topical issues in order to inform their work and drive production.

Persaud made these comments at a meeting with the new members of the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) Board recently. Andrew Bishop was appointed vice chairman of the Board, a press release from the ministry said.

The minister told the meeting that changes to the Board were made mainly to improve its functions. He said too the Board needed to meet the demands of the expanding agricultural activities as well as develop the scheme. Further, Persaud told the Board land administration is of great importance and adequate mechanisms should be put in place to address all land matters and enhance efficiency. As such a land sub-committee was formed which will be headed by Bishop. This will allow greater collaboration between the MMA/ADA and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

The release said the Board was also tasked with examining the budget to determine what improvements can be made to the agency through strategic planning to maximise resources. The board was also urged to look at ways to enhance services to farmers and other stakeholders. Persaud pointed out too that more interaction and discussions with farmers are necessary to inform actions to drive production in the ADA.

In the light of this the minister urged the Board to focus on developing the MMA this year. He said too focus should be placed on drainage and irrigation works since this is an area of major concern. To propel this, a new sub-committee was formed with the Board and will be headed by Lionel Wordsworth. Wordsworth’s appointment is expected to boost collaboration between the MMA/ADA and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.