-Minister Persaud

A mini-agro processing plant will be constructed at Hope, East Coast Demerara, part of Government’s plan to widen the non-traditional crop sector and further diversification. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud made this announcement at a farmers’ meeting at Haslington/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (CDC) office on Sunday last.

The plant will cater for non-traditional produce especially from the coastland where great potential exists for cultivation and where land is continuously being developed to nurture the sector’s development.

Minister Persaud said that Government is investing significant financial resources into the sector, enabling Guyana to be a leading food exporter and in the future with the implementation of hydro-electricity, to be a major food processor.

“We are not only talking about just producing the primary commodities but also move into value added,” the Minister added.

He noted that the administration is committed to providing the enabling environment and initiatives that will set the groundwork for the sector’s development apace.

An Agriculture Diversification Strategy has already been implemented with local resources and with support being sought from international agencies, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The strategy is set to achieve greater heights to pursue new markets for products bringing it to an international standard.

Minister Persaud assured that the plant will also facilitate job creation for young people allowing them to be gainfully employed.

“A new and modern type of farming will be introduced. It is to ensure productivity, because relying only on the traditional way will not lead to the type of results that we are looking for and in doing so we will also be introducing and allowing you to access new technology, approaches and techniques,” he said.