Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud handed over an excavator valued $35M to Wakenaam Island and commissioned a $24M drainage structure at Amersfoort to boost agriculture production.
“The President was here just about three weeks ago and when he visited the island he made a commitment that he will allocate the funding so that we can have a dedicated excavator on this island,” Persaud said in his address. He also indicated that the acquisition of the right machinery like the excavator will enable the island to achieve maximum production and improve the standard of living of residents.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the excavator is expected to ensure that timely drainage works are carried out in order to boost agriculture. Previously an excavator was accessed from Essequibo which was also shared with Leguan to conduct works. However, government has been rehabilitating old drainage structures and building new ones to ensure that farmlands have necessary conditions for cultivation.
The new structure is expected to benefit about 300 farmers and foster improved drainage to hundreds of acres of land. GINA said Cabinet also approved the construction of a drainage structure valued at more than $20M at Noitgedacht. The minister also told farmers that more is needed to improve the sector and he urged them to take a proactive role and monitor projects being expedited in their communities.
Wakenaam and Leguan suffered the brunt of the recent El Nino condition and the ministry had distributed seeds valued about $6 million to help farmers recultivate their lands. The ministry will also be giving farmers fertiliser this week. Persaud also said the ministry is focusing on the cultivating of non-traditional crops and livestock rearing and as such farmers need to work closer with its extension officers. He said farmers should also utilise the services of the ministry’s training workshop on agriculture related courses so that they can improve their techniques.
In his address CEO at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth said river defence works are being expedited at Palmyra. In addition the NDIA will start rehabilitating canals and drains in order of urgency as identified by farmers. Wordsworth indicated that a maintenance programme will be implemented to ensure that the drains and canals are cleaned throughout the year.
Additionally, Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber said government has been allocating financial resources to develop the island’s road and drainage and irrigation infrastructure and boost social services including health and education. He said the excavator and drainage structure will provide a proper drainage system leading to increased farming activities on the island.
Wakenaam residents have said that they are pleased with government’s initiative to boost the drainage and irrigation system. They noted that coconut is being planted on a large scale on the island and it requires proper drainage.
