RESIDENTS of Orealla, along Corentyne River, last Friday welcomed the visit by Agriculture Ministry officials with whom they were able to raise several concerns and make known their need for assistance to advance agricultural activities.
Research Scientist and Head of the Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation Unit at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Mr. Bissasar Chintamanie engaged the villagers and assured them of the Ministry’s support.
Among the things complained about was the delay in testing the soil in the savannah areas, despite undertakings by other officials on previous visits.
However, affirmative responses were offered that the matter is presently being addressed and that it will take about a month before test results are available.
The complainants said the savannah is where they want to use for the cultivation of different crops.
Another worry was needed assistance to fight sigatoka disease that is affecting banana plants and one farmer was assisted to begin addressing the problem immediately.
The villagers also wanted help to develop rice cultivation in which several persons have expressed interest.
Orealla Toshao, Mr. Mclean Davair said those interested would like to start the planting in August.
In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he had declared that the only way forward for the community is through agriculture.