This assistance followed a meeting held at Princeville Community Centre, Mainstay/Whyaka, Region Two.
According to GINA, the incentive was given to 31 pineapple farmers to aid in replanting their crops, following a commitment by the Agriculture Ministry to assist in boosting pineapple production for export.
The ministry has also committed to providing the necessary technical support, through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), to assist in the production of a variety of pineapple-based products.
The ministry also contributed livestock, including cattle and pigs in an effort to promote diversification in the region.
And at the meeting, residents had the opportunity to voice their concerns and issues affecting their daily lives, which Minister Persaud addressed.
Generally, GINA stated, residents were satisfied with government’s interventions but farmers complained about crop productivity, which is affecting the pine factory. Persons said that excavators that operate on the roads, cause damage making it difficult for vehicles to use it. Persaud pointed out that the incentive given will help to boost crop production and urged them to plant other crops and rear livestock, as a means of encouraging food security in the region.
He said that the persons responsible for damaging the roads should have it repaired before they receive any payments.
The region’s pineapples are usually marketed to Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited (AMCAR) for export to Europe; however as a result of the decrease in production and the non-operational factory, the company refused to support the farmers, GINA said.
Meanwhile, Minister Persaud noted that Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai is willing to send an officer to the community to facilitate a dialogue between the farmers and the company to solve the matter.
Persaud said that the livestock that were provided are to be bred and expanded and a qualified veterinarian will be deployed to the region to regularly examine the animals.
In addition, sessions will also be held so residents can be more informed on livestock farming.
Mainstay/Whyaka Toshao Yvonne Pearson observed that the region’s Community Development Plan (CDP) indicated that it will be engaging in various crop production including vegetables, fruits and spices.
Since El Nino the ministry has been working with the community to provide support such as planting materials, and it has set up an orchard with the women’s group to diversify the activities in the area, GINA concluded.
