The Ministry of Agriculture’s export diversification programme was given a $190M shot in the arm with the signing yesterday of a contract aimed at developing the health and food safety services of the Ministry.
The signing of the US$950,000 contract between the MoA and Italian consultancy group Agrotec Spa took place in the ministry boardroom yesterday and comes under an IDB-funded project. Following the signing, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud stated that the awarding of the contract was aimed at reducing the current dependence on the export of two or three products from Guyana.
He said the contract will see Guyana moving from, “a primitive stage” of agricultural and food management services, to one which is internationally recognized without fear of available markets.
As regards livestock management, one of the areas which the consultants are expected to cover, Persaud stated that over the years the agriculture ministry has been successful at developing this sector. He said that within the whole context of agricultural diversification, export of livestock will fully complement the overall development of the diversification programme of the ministry. He noted that Guyana’s potential for developing the livestock sector has been recognized and the MoA is currently working along with private groups to import various breeds of animals in order to improve present breeding stocks which will result in farmers having quality animals.
The Agriculture Minister also stated that that the administration has invested heavily in terms of infrastructure in order to develop the sector. He said that other agricultural activities have over the years dislocated cattle rearing slightly but noted that that this trend is expected to be realigned in future.
As regards human resource for the development of livestock, Persaud stated that some 14 veterinarians have been returning to Guyana on a yearly basis after completing studies in Cuba through the Guyana/Cuba scholarship programme and noted that their services will complement activities within the sector.
As regards the awarding of the contract, the Agriculture Minister stated that the relevant procedures had been followed, noting that the project was advertised, the MoA received a number of bids and that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board as well as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had examined the tendering process. He added that after Agrotec Spa was identified as the successful bidder, negotiations followed since the bid was above what was advertised. As such the total amount was brought down to US$950,000.
The Minister also said that the MoA is looking out for quality work from the consultants, noting that he is always concerned about “value for money”.
Dr William Marsman, Inter-national Coordinator of Agrotec Spa, stated that the project will be in full swing next January and noted that his company will work to ensure each activity give positive results. He said that the project will only survive through cooperation of all stakeholders involved noting that the availability of the necessary documents and legislation will be a significant factor in determining the successful outcome of the project.
The consultancy services which will be provided by the Italian group will cover a range of activities within the health and food safety programme of the MoA including, among others:
-strengthened epidemiology surveillance; -improved
regulations/procedures and evaluation for tuberculosis, brucellosis and rabies;
-provision of guidance in the development of a comprehensive policy and a strategic plan for agricultural health and food safety;
-an improved system for food inspection, treatment and pest management
-field inspection and food technology equipment, quality assurance and data collection, as well as
-facilitation of scholarships and training for agricultural health and food safety units.
Project Coordinator of the Agricultural Sector Development Unit (ASDU) of the Agriculture Ministry Sattie Sasenarine stated that the assignment is ambitious and complex noting that roles played by each entity in the project are important.
She also called on the project’s beneficiaries to ensure that there is timely presentation of reports on aspects of the project in order to avoid delays in the provision of consultancy services.
