Complete eradication of the Red Palm Mite disease may not be possible

Dear Editor,

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) wishes to respond to several issues raised by Mr Mohamed Khan in a letter captioned ‘Follow-up on red-mite disease in coconuts needs to be done’, that was published in Stabroek News on June 6.

It is important to note that the complete eradication of the Red Palm Mite disease may not be possible since the pest is transmitted via air and lives in poorly managed or abandoned fields.

Since July 2013, NAREI has been addressing the issue of Red Palm Mite in Guyana. In December 2015, government through the Ministry of Agriculture provided $49M to purchase chemicals and other resources needed to assist farmers. This intervention allowed NAREI’s extension staff to expand their services.

Prior to the distribution of chemicals, follow-up visits and telephone conversations with Pomeroon (Region Two) farmers were made. NAREI was informed that many farms were recovering from the infestation. Farmers have been advised to practise proper field sanitation and to continue to apply treatment as needed.

The Institute is pleased to report that the majority of the farmers in the Pomeroon now know how to identify infected coconut palms and how to apply the treatment. In addition, NAREI’s extension staff, stationed at Anna Regina and Charity have been helping in this regard.

Another issue raised by Mr Khan is the unavailability of coconut plants at the Charity Nursery. NAREI does not produce coconut seedlings in large quantities for sale at the nurseries; it produces on request.  However, it is cognizant that the coconut industry is budding in the Region.

As such, it has been assisting farmers to select mother palms and advise on how to plant the seedlings on their own farms.

Within the next three months NAREI will be establishing a coconut nursery in the Pomeroon. A fertilization programme has also been initiated with coconut farmers.

The final issue raised by Mr Khan is the absence of a laboratory for soil testing in the Region. While, there is no physical infrastructure in the Region, extension officers are equipped with pH meters that allow for on-the-spot soil testing.

However, if farmers need a more in-depth analysis, samples are taken to NAREI’s head office in Mon Repos for laboratory testing. While NAREI would want to return the results as quickly as possible to the farmers, the samples have to go through a process.

NAREI wants to remind farmers that they are welcome to visit the extension offices, communicate with extension officers and contact officers at the head office for information. The institute is thankful for Mr Khan’s interest and asks for continued communication.

 

Yours faithfully,

Keeran Singh

NAREI Communications Unit