Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud yesterday received a courtesy call from coconut expert Dr. Shivarama Reddy from India, to discuss the future of the industry which will see farmers’ needs addressed and cultivation and market bases expanded.
A revitalization plan has been administered by Government, as efforts intensify to have the industry modernised. It will also see production in terms of quality enhanced, since the product can be used as a base for others.
The expert, who will be in Guyana for one year, attached to the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), will be tasked with updating the industry’s revitalization plan and recommending changes where necessary, since, according to Minister Persaud, there has been a decline in market base, with Pomeroon being the most recent.
He pointed out that Government is concerned primarily with the export of coconut-based products, emphasising that focus must be on diversification and development of the industry, with technology playing a key role.
NARI will be integrally involved in the programme, as well as persons from the private sector, in conjunction with farmers.
Government will be investing $9M this year in terms of developing appropriate technology, since its main purpose is to improve technology coupled with market opportunities.
“With your support and our market agencies we can work together. So I am very enthusiastic that we have your time and I want to again thank your Government for making you available,” the Minister Said.
There are currently 24,000 hectares of coconut cultivation across the country and according to the Agriculture Minister, more can be done to further expand the industry.
Dr. Shivarama Reddy, Deputy Commissioner, Horticulture, in the Ministry of Agriculture in India, has 25 years experience in teaching and research and 17 years experience with the Coconut Industry Development Board where he has worked to develop various coconut development schemes in several states.
He is au fait with production, agronomy, value-added and marketing strategies, as he has promoted diversification of coconut based-products through special schemes.
Reddy, who also is familiar with coconut water development, will be providing advice to farmers on improving the agronomy of coconut, identification of potential value-added products for commercialisation, providing technical advice for coconut water bottling facilities, and training farmers on improving husbandry practices.
He is the second expert the country has worked with over the last three years, with the first being an expert to further develop the spice industry. Minister Persaud will be meeting with representatives of NARI and Dr. Reddy on a monthly basis for updates.
Government has over the years been working to revitalise the industry through workshops, exhibitions and training, since its aim is to resuscitate it to such a level that it will create job opportunities for many. Guyana has been pursuing support from India and several South American countries to assist in this effort, especially to obtain new varieties.