RECOGNISING the importance of training towards improved farming practices, the Ministry of Agriculture is working on a project whereby courses could be offered in the various administrative regions dealing with specific issues such as control of acoushi ants.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy explained that not everybody is in the position to return to school to obtain a diploma, and as such, the Ministry is working to reach out to communities via distance learning.
This project can be implemented in areas where state farms/nurseries already exist such as in Hosororo, Kairuni, St. Ignatius, and No. 63 Village on the Corentyne coast.
Ramsammy said that students undergoing the distance learning programmes can be attached to those centres where they can be exposed to the practical aspects.
With regards to the question of decentralising the services of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the minister said that while the setting up of a campus in every region may not be feasible, these distance learning programmes can go a far way.
GSA has traditionally been a residential learning institution; however, the board is currently considering the possibility of allowing students who live within its vicinity, to come to the institution for their classes so as to create space to accommodate more students, particularly those from the hinterland.
GSA has seen an enrollment of 164 new students and 89 continuing students for the 2013-2014 academic year (from both the Mon Repos and Essequibo campuses) studying courses such as: Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal Health & Veterinary Public Health, Certificate in Agriculture, Certificate on Agro-Processing, and Certificate in Forestry.
For the new academic year, a one-year certificate programme in Agro-Processing was introduced as well as procedures for tractor operations (practical and theoretical aspects), and two short-term skills training courses:
* Operation, repair and maintenance of small equipment
* And urban agriculture techniques – grow box/hydroponics.
Last week, GSA graduated another batch of 120 persons, including 55 females who completed courses at the Mon Repos and Essequibo campuses with diplomas and or certificates. This is in keeping with priority 15 of the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2013-2020 National Strategy, which aims at securing an agricultural workforce through human resource development.

(GINA)