Despite pineapple success…
A CATTLE rearing project initiated by Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, has done so well that Mainstay/Whyaka, in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), wants to venture into it large-scale. Toshao, Yvonne Pearson, told the Guyana Chronicle that Mr. Persaud, on behalf of the government, donated a bull and a heifer to the Village Council two months ago, and the animals appear to be offering a bright future.
Consequently, a request has been made to the Regional Department of Agriculture for more of the quadrupeds, she said.
Ms. Pearson said the two being reared are showing growth, and residents want to utilise the vast acreage of land to rear a larger flock.
She said the community is aiming to be self-sufficient in fresh cow’s milk, and to export beef and other by-products, ultimately.
Pearson said farmers want to diversify and not depend solely on pineapple farming, which is now being affected by climate change.
She said the rainy weather is good for those who have finished planting their new organic farms, but bad for others not finished preparing for their cultivations.
Pearson said some planters under-bushed their plots in hot weather, but did not get to burn what was destroyed, and vegetation has since grown back with the consistent rainfall and prevented expansion of their spreads.
According to her, she is, however, looking forward to a good crop in April-May, which can lead to the resumption of operations at the factory that produces pineapple chunks.
Pearson said the Village Council is also planning to increase the production of pineapple chunks livestock for large-scale rearing of chickens and pigs.
She also informed that a big passion fruit and cherry farm will be planted to boost food security in the Amerindian community and, in response to the ‘grow more food’ drive, plant ginger and vegetables.