At drying floor commissioning…
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud, on Monday, commissioned a $14.2M drying floor at the Research Sub-Station of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice.
He said such investments are being made to help make farmers less reliant on millers, as well as to assist them to be better placed to bargain for the best paddy prices.
Mr. Persaud said the one at Lesbeholden is one of several drying floors that have been built and the third such in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), the other two located at Crabwood Creek and Number 43 Village.
He said there are 11 others in the country and another is currently under construction and expected to be completed later this month. One more is to be at Wakenaam, in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands).
Persaud expressed hope that, as the Agriculture Ministry continues to aid farmers in capacity building, they would become more involved in the actual processing and even exporting of their produce.
He said that will translate into more benefits for them and challenged them to use the assistance to be more independent, as the Ministry looks to tidy up the business environment and ensure their success.
Persaud said other plans in support of farmers include increasing efforts to address infrastructure development, such as access dams rehabilitation and drainage and irrigation (D&I), all to encourage them to put more lands under cultivation.
He maintained that working closely with the farmers will see the successful utilisation of what is being invested and, by extension, the success of the sector.
“Government is prepared to work with famers and engage stakeholders to move the sector and the country forward,” Persaud assured.
At Lesbeholden, he also inspected the operations of a paddy dryer and cleaner which were recently rehabilitated.