– President’s promise to residents fulfilled
Government has been fostering the expansion of agriculture in Guyana through the provision of improved drainage and irrigation structures, innovative measures and technology and crop diversification.
Wakenaam, Region Three, is a predominantly rice and coconut farming area and to increase agriculture production, the PPP/C Administration has designated a permanent excavator to carry out drainage and irrigation works. A drainage control structure at Amersfoort on the island was also constructed.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, who was tasked with handing over the $35M excavator to the island and commissioning the $24M drainage structure, reiterated Government’s commitment towards improving agriculture to the large gathering.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, and Region Three Chairman, Julius Faerber.
The presentation of the excavator is a fulfillment of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent promise to Wakenaam residents.
“The President was here just about three weeks ago; and when he visited the island he made a commitment that he will allocate the funding so that we can have a dedicated excavator on this island,” Minister Persaud stated.
He indicated that the acquisition of the right machinery like the excavator will enable the island to achieve maximum production and improve the standard of living of residents.
It was emphasised that the presence of the excavator will mark a new chapter of the island in terms of agriculture. Previously, to expedite necessary drainage and irrigation works, an excavator was accessed from Essequibo which was also shared with Leguan.
Government has been constructing, reconstructing and rehabilitating numerous drainage and irrigation structures across the island to ensure that farmlands have necessary conditions for cultivation.
The new drainage control structure will benefit approximately 300 farmers and foster improved drainage to hundreds of acres of land. He stressed that this project also demonstrates Government’s commitment towards improving farming conditions.
He highlighted that from 2008 to date, Government has spent significant amounts of resources on the maintenance of drainage canals and construction of embankments.
It was noted that Cabinet recently approved the construction of a drainage structure at Noitgedacht which will cost in excess of $20M.
Cognizant that more is needed to improve the sector, Minister Persaud explained to farmers that they need to take a proactive role and monitor projects being expedited in their communities.
Wakenaam and Leguan suffered the brunt of the recent El Nino; and to allow relief to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture distributed approximately $6M in seeds.
In addition, this week the Ministry will be distributing fertiliser to further help farmers.
It was noted that emphasis is being placed on non-traditional crops and livestock rearing, and as such farmers need to work closer with the Ministry’s extension officers.
Minister Persaud requested farmers to utilise the services of the Ministry, including workshop training and agricultural related courses so that they can improve their techniques.
Wordsworth, in his remarks, highlighted that Wakenaam has been benefiting from drainage and irrigation works, but this will soon be boosted with the utilisation of the excavator.
He indicated that river defence works are being expedited at Palmyra. In addition, the NDIA will commence rehabilitating canals and drains in order of urgency as identified by farmers.
Wordsworth indicated that a maintenance programme will be implemented to ensure that the drains and canals are cleaned throughout the year.
Faerber said Government has been allocating financial resources to the development of the island’s road and drainage and irrigation infrastructure, and improvements in social services, including health and education.
Residents of Wakenaam have expressed their satisfaction with Government’s initiative to improve their drainage and irrigation system. They noted that coconut is being planted on a large scale on the island and it requires proper drainage.
(GINA)