Toka in the North Rupununi, Region Nine, is refocusing its attention on agriculture, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The community, which has a population of about 300 Makushi people, is involved in small-scale farming of corn, peanuts, cattle, poultry and bees.
Delano Davis, Toka Deputy Toshao, said that apart from those crops, most of the households are involved in planting cassava to make farine and cassava bread.
He told DPI that the village is also pushing its honey bee project, where villagers rear the bees and harvest honey to sell. However, he noted that it is seasonal and therefore, the village council is seeking ways in which it could develop the production of honey, which has a huge market.
Aquaculture is one of the new areas that the village will also be exploring. Through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), two ponds were dug in the village.
“We are working with the ministry of agriculture and we are in contact with them concerning training for aquaculture…We are hoping to mind (rear) the fish to supply to the community because we realise there is a lot of consumption of fish from the rivers but the fish in the rivers are depleting so we intend to farm the fish and sell to community members”, he said.
Meanwhile, 64 farmers and households affected by the May/June floods received flood relief cash grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. That distribution exercise was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal.
