– at inter-faith service
The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday ushered in Agriculture Month with an inter-faith service and brunch to mark the occasion, under the theme “Building a new agricultural sector along a low carbon path.”

The prayer service on the Ministry of Agriculture’s lawns, Regent Street and Vlissengen Road, Bourda, commenced at 9:30 h with prayers, songs and religious renditions from members of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said his Ministry had decided to commence Agriculture Month with an inter-faith service since it is important for persons to think about the creator in all activities, most importantly when one engages in the activities of providing food.

The Minister further observed that Guyana is celebrating Agriculture Month at a time when close to 950 million people around the world are unsure about their next meal and a time when approximately 30,000 babies die each day as a result of hunger.

Minister Persaud said that Guyana is the only country within CARICOM that remains food secure and has been able to satisfy its food needs.

Minister Persaud and others at the service on the Agriculture Ministry lawns.

“We are the only country within this Region which has the greatest promise and the greatest potential to feed our brothers and sisters across the Region,” the Minister stated.

In addition, the Minister said farmers engaged in food production are special gifts from God and that they should always be remembered for the role they play in providing food for the nation.

“In this month of activities, we are going to place special emphasis on our farmers…we are going to put our farmers at the centre,” Minister Persaud said.

The Minister expressed optimism that Guyana will realise its potential not only as a great nation but as a people living in unity and harmony, and working hard together to become a reliable food provider in the Region and beyond.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration, George Jervis, said Agriculture Month is one of the better months in the calendar for Guyana, since traditionally agriculture has been linked with religious worship.

Agriculture Month celebrations will feature a range of activities including the commissioning of the Doppler Weather Radar, the National Cattle Exhibition and Guymkhana, National Agriculture and Research Institute (NARI) Research Conference and Open Day, Coconut Forum and Mini Exhibition, Farmers Day and Exhibition, and the Commissioning of the Aquaculture facility at Maharaj Oil Mill, Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

Today, the Agriculture Ministry will formally launch Agriculture Month and commission the Doppler Weather Radar at Timehri. (GINA)