Parika Backdam farmers assured of produce marketing assistance
CASH farmers at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, have been assured of assistance to sell their produce but Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud told them they need to be aware of their markets before embarking on cultivation. The assurance was given the planters when a ministerial team, including Mr. Persaud and other agriculture sector functionaries met them on Monday.
General Manager of the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Mr. Nizam Hussain, who was among the visitors, pointed out that his agency facilitates the marketing process but does not, as is sometimes misunderstood, take ownership of the merchandise.
He explained that, in 1985, the policy of GMC was changed. It ceased all buying and selling operations and assumed a mandate to provide market facilitation services to the Private Sector for the export of non-traditional agricultural produce, facilitate local market development, develop and disseminate post-harvest technology, conduct market research and offer market intelligence services to farmers.
Hussain said, in 1997, GMC resumed the buying of farmers’ produce and processed agricultural products and other locally manufactured items, but at prices that were negotiated directly with farmers and manufacturers.
Only quality produce, for which there was a ready demand, was bought as part of GMC’s effort to make Guyanese produce and products more accessible to consumers.
Hussain said:“Years ago, GMC used to take ownership of products but not today, because farmers have evolved and are increasing their capacity.”