– first phase of Government’s $49M allotment to support hinterland agriculture

Ovid Williams, Principal Regional Development Officer, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs thanking Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud at the Ministry for supplies to Region 9 farmers

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud along with senior officials of the Ministry and the Principal Regional Development Officer, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Ovid Williams Saturday witnessed the first batch of supplies being dispatched to Region Nine farmers affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Minister Persaud said that Government will be working with farmers to ensure that there are adequate food supplies in the hinterland region.

He said that the reason for Region Nine receiving the first batch of supplies was because it was identified as an area of high concern and many challenges.

Williams thanked Government for its continued support to the hinterland-region and hoped that the supplies would enhance the region’s agricultural drive.

Supplies will be sent to the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Centre, St. Ignatius, then distributed to various areas in the region.

They include five 500-gallon water tanks and five water pumps and accessories to support wells which will be dug in collaboration with Guyana Water Inc. (GWI).

Also 2000 packets of acoushi ant bait, a swing fog machine and other chemicals to combat acoushi ants due to the current weather situation. Five smaller tanks to store processed cassava and five barrels of diesel were also sent.

On September 14, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo, at a meeting with residents and Toshaos of the Rupununi area, revealed that he had approved a relief package totalling $49M to aid hinterland communities being affected by drought-like conditions as a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Government, recognising the impact that the weather may have on Guyana’s economy, has already established a special inter-agency committee to monitor and make recommendations about the situation.

At the post-Cabinet press briefing on September 10, Dr Roger Luncheon, Cabinet Secretary, had explained that the assistance to hinterland communities would focus on irrigation mostly.

Dr Luncheon said the construction of deeper wells and the deployment of water to areas that are lacking will be of utmost importance. He also highlighted the fact that the prolonged dry season has dire consequences on sowing for the next season’s crops.