Women agro-processors, maker of herbal potions among exhibitors

The Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADNET) is made up of women agro-processing groups that are all based in rural communities within Guyana.

WADNET’s booth at GuyExpo last evening was filled with locally produced items, all made manually; from honey, peanut butter, creams, lotions, cassava bread, farine, right down to soaps and herbal medication. The group aims at empowering women in Guyana and at the same time, promoting the importance of organic products. Rosie Benn, Coordinator of the Network said that the whole idea of participating in the exhibition is to show that women can work together to alleviate poverty and also contribute to society. Benn also said that they are seeking markets both locally and internationally for their produce.

“This is our fourth year at GuyExpo and we are definitely going to be here next year as well, this is the opportunity to showcase our talents and show what we, as women can contribute,” Benn said.

Some of the locally produced items that were manufactured by Pomeroon Delight at GuyExpo which opened last evening at the Sophia Exhibition Complex (Photo by Arian Browne)
Some of the locally produced items that were manufactured by Pomeroon Delight at GuyExpo which opened last evening at the Sophia Exhibition Complex (Photo by Arian Browne)

This group was sponsored by the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ).

Also making his second appearance at GuyExpo was 31-year-old Rudra Jagnarine, a proud Berbician who is the owner of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Guyana.

From back pains and arthritis right down to constipation, Jagnarine, the creator of “Grand Maa Bitters”, has a potion for every health complication. He also said that most of this concoctions originated in India. “I am making these things for almost 15 years and everybody that buys always comes back for more. It cost like around $800,000 for all the nights here [at GuyExpo]” he said.

When asked if it was feasible to participate in the exhibition, Jagnarine smiled and said, “yeah man”.