THE MINISTRY of Agriculture, in an effort to build capacity in the sector, has established a branch of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) at Cotton Field, on the Essequibo Coast.

The institution was previously housed at the Essequibo Technical Institute, but owing to the growing number of students, the Ministry decided to invest $20M towards creating an agricultural learning environment.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, said the decision to establish the GSA in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) was so as to prevent students from having to incur unnecessary expenses and leaving their homes to attend come to Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) to attend the parent college at Mon Repos.

This aside, Minister Persaud said, agriculture is a major part of the Region Two’s economy and as such, youths there should have knowledge and skills with respect to their livelihoods.

The school has a student population of 30, and seven lecturers who instruct courses in the Diploma in Agriculture and Certificate in Forestry.

Opposite the school is the farming ground, however, currently practicals are being conducted at the New Opportunity Corps. There is also living accommodation for lecturers. (GINA)