AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud yesterday inspected progress on ongoing drainage and irrigation (D&I) works at Buxton West Sideline, East Coast Demerara and said they are part of continuous support being provided to the community by his ministry.
Approximately 40 miles of D&I waterways in the Buxton/Friendship area are being targeted in the project being undertaken, at a cost of $42M, by private contractors.
Mr. Persaud was accompanied by National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lionel Wordsworth, other officials and residents of the beneficiary community.
Persaud said next on the agenda is the rehabilitation of a sluice and pointed out that the supportive investment is being made towards increasing participation in agricultural pursuits.
He said the Ministry is addressing drainage and technical assistance needs, among other inputs.
“Now, all the farmers have to do is plant their land,” Persaud said.
He recalled that the works, started in 2007, are now being accelerated in light of the fact that the security situation in the area has stabilised.
Persaud said the developmental moves are also to enhance safety in the environment, so that people have better infrastructure and access to it.
Observing that cane farming is already being done, he urged more people to come on board as that can be extended and there is capacity for fruits and vegetables to be further developed, as well as livestock.
Persaud suggested that, if farmers form clusters, they can tap into different markets and become regular suppliers and there is great potential.
Another suggestion he made is that basic agro-cottage industries can be developed, using the recently completed Practical Instruction Centre (PIC), at Buxton, to involve the younger generation.
He said, with the increase in availability of aid from the Administration and the cooperation of Buxton farmers, there can be further agricultural development.
Wordsworth observed that the current rehabilitation complements what was done in 2008.
Giving an update on related undertakings in Buxton/Friendship, he said at least eight projects are moving along and where the inspection was done yesterday the job is 85 per cent complete.
Rehabilitation of the Middle Walk Sideline is 45  per cent done; Buxton East Sideline is 40 per cent finished; construction of a timber bridge on Buxton Company Road across the canal has achieved 80 per cent completion; rehabilitation of Friendship Canal, Pond Dam to Crown Dam, has reached five per cent and rehabilitation of Friendship East Sideline is at the same stage, like at Friendship West Sideline and the revetment at Buxton Pump Base is 100 per cent accomplished.
Wordsworth also informed that approximately $46M were expended in 2009 sand the sum this year is $49.5M.