The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has extended its outreach to Region Six and, in keeping with the Agriculture Ministry’s mission to improve agriculture literacy in school, held an informal session at the Berbice Educational Institute, New Amsterdam. Close to 50 Agriculture Science and Integrated Science students were involved and are expected to be the target groups for other such sessions.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud’s contention is that agriculture literacy is lacking in Guyana, particularly in schools, and that his Ministry is partnering with the Ministry of Education to change the paradigm.
At a recent forum, a Career Day at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Persaud explained that the Agriculture Ministry works with schools to provide plant materials and tools for their agriculture classes, as well as technical staff to assist in other areas.
The Minister stressed that his Ministry recognizes the need to provide such assistance, with the long term vision of improving agriculture literacy in Guyana.
Also, at a higher level, the University of Guyana (UG) is forging links with the GSA. He added that UG does not have demonstration facilities that, for example, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has, which is another reason for pursuing synergies and, by extension, improving agricultural literacy in a more holistic way.
In this context, a team from NARI’s Crop Development and Support Services facilitated lectures focusing on ‘Careers in Agriculture’ and ‘Opportunities in the Agriculture in Guyana’.
The Extension Services team in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) is expected to continue such educational sessions based on current agriculture issues.
The Berbice Educational Institute also benefitted from a donation of agriculture tools and plant seeds.
Additionally, the team was involved in a tree planting exercise, where mango, cherry, and citrus trees were planted.
Urban schools are expected to be the target for similar exercises in the future.