As a part of ongoing efforts to improve the livelihood of farmers, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud on Friday distributed over 160 leases to farmers in Region Two, at the Charity Market square.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) in a press release stated that Minister Persaud told the gathering of hundreds about the government’s $1.2 billion land development plan to develop over 5,500 acres of virgin land for agricultural purposes in the region at Aurora. That is the fulfillment of President Jagdeo’s promise to the residents and rice farmers at a meeting in 2009.
Noting that land has been exhausted on the Essequibo Coast, he promised that in keeping with the request for more by the residents over 10,000 acres more will be developed over a three-year period.
He went on to tell the residents that since the PPP/C took office close to US$30 million has been spent on diversifying the agricultural sector to create other economic ventures in crops, agriculture and aquaculture.
The release stated that the leases were granted for lands in Warapana and Paradise which are on higher grounds in the Pomeroon. This is for the farmers who are affected during the rainy season when the river overflows.
Persaud said that each lease is for 10 acres of land and for the first three years the holder will pay $400 per acre.
According to the press release, Persaud assured farmers that government will continue “to be serious about improving and further enhancing the lives of the citizens”.
He went on to explain that if the administration cannot deliver its promises they try to look for other “innovative” ways to deliver. He also reminded farmers that the Pomeroon River has great agricultural potential.
Speaking on the initiative to combat climate change that usually affects farmers, he outlined government efforts to build the embankment and to put systems in place to face the challenge of the change in the weather pattern.
“We started this programme in May with the allocation of $40 million….it is the first time that we have been able to move from surveying to allocation within a five to six month period….your community here in the Pomeroon River is the first community in which we have deliberately put aside resources so that we can develop land in the higher reaches to make you less vulnerable”.
While addressing the issue of cheaper energy he made reference to the hydro power in the future, which will be able to create more industries in the agro sector. He said cheaper and reliable energy will see Guyana being able to feed not only the Caribbean but wider markets.
He concluded by complementing the industry and said with the installation of the fibre optic cable farmers will be able to access more information and be more knowledgeable.
The function saw the participation of Regional Chairman Ally Baksh, General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board Jainarine Singh and General Manager of Guyana Marketing Corporation Nizam Hassan.
