I write this letter with great enthusiasm having read that the government through the Ministry of Agriculture will be reorganising its current extension services, which have not been fully satisfying farmers’ needs. As a farmer for the past 15 years, I am sure that this new dispensation will allow for greater management and an increased presence from extension officers within farming communities to provide technical advice and other support to farmers to further boost production and exports.

Most importantly, it is pleasing to know that the Minister of Agriculture is listening to the cries of farmers for greater extension services; this has been lacking in the agriculture sector and negligent officers needs to get their act together or change their profession.

I can say with confidence that this new arrangement is most welcome by numerous farmers who depend on technical and other support from the Ministry of Agriculture to thrive and become successful farmers, thereby making valuable contributions to food security.

Further, I dare say that nontraditional farmers have long been seen as a step child with unlimited, untapped potentials which will be realized with the long awaited reorganization of the Ministry of Agriculture’s extension service. This bold step by the Minister of Agriculture and his team must be commended as this is the type of support that farmers need. We are proud people and all we seek is an opportunity to cultivate with the best technical knowledge and guidance.

On behalf of myself, family and non-traditional cash crop and other farmers across Guyana, we would like to take this opportunity to state our continued commitment to transform agriculture as we await a speedily and smooth implementation of the extension service’s reorganisation plan.