THE first phase of the Aurora Land Development Programme is expected to cost $150M, this year, as part of a drive to put more acreage, approximately 5,500 acres, under cultivation in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam). Speaking about it recently, at a meeting with stakeholders in Anna Regina Town Hall on the Essequibo Coast, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said the aim is to open new lands in response to the realities of climate change and better position Guyana for the opportunities of tomorrow.
He said the assessments, by engineers, have been done and $2 billion will be needed for the purpose and the $150M is to kick start the project.
Persaud said the thrust is in sync with global realties, in particular the increases in food prices, which surged, worldwide, to a new historic peak in January, for the seventh consecutive month.
He said the hikes will translate to greater demand, which will be a good opportunity for a country like Guyana, that is mainly agriculture based.
“We stand to benefit and we need to plan and be ready,” Persaud stated.
He said the 2011 Budget allocations are aimed at advancing various initiatives to prepare for tomorrow.
According to him, with more agricultural lands available and greater demand for new plots, an increased number of pumps and construction and rehabilitation of key drainage and irrigation (D&I) structures and access roads, improvement in the discharge capacity and flood control performance in farming and vulnerable areas has become necessary, all of which are provided for in the 2011 Budget.

The total allocation for the agriculture sector this year is $9.1 billion. (V. Narine)