THE National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) staged an Open Day yesterday as it places increased emphasis on extension support services.
The Director, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, said it would be a regular feature in the services provided and said, it was a success as, eight farmers made use of the opportunity.
“We hope that, as the word gets out, more people will make use of the technical and other assistance we can offer,” he said. Homenauth said the farmers who attended were from Canals Polder in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Buxton and Golden Grove in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica).
He said those from Golden Grove were part of a larger group intending to undertake agricultural activities on plots being made available in the backlands at East Coast Demerara.
“The group, basically, wanted to know how to get started, what to plant and the best ways to do it and we were able to provide some help to them and they will get back to us, soon, so we can follow up,” Homenauth said.
He said the attendees from Canals Polder raised issues relating to drainage and irrigation, which were resolved through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); the problem of pests, in particular Acoushi ants, which was also settled and plant diseases, which were addressed by a team who visited the area.
The Buxton planters had similar problems and Homenauth said a delegation will visit them today.
“This is a new initiative and we are hoping that we give farmers a better opportunity for direct contact with us,” he said.
Homenauth disclosed that, in addition to taking the services to the people, through outreaches made by the extension services personnel, the Open Days will be another way to follow up with famers and aid their progress.
This undertaking is the result of the significant restructuring and modernisation of the Institute and the changes are expected to provide greater efficiency in the crops and agricultural product industry and afford enhanced services in research, extension and crop protection, he said.