Minister Persaud leads discussions on farming, forestry practices
MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud met with Kwakwani, Landerville and Ituni farmers and forest operators in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) last week, to discuss farming and other related activities.
It was part of his ongoing outreach to interact with farmers across the country and he and a team of technical officers engaged in the discussions, with the aim of aiding the implementation of initiatives to improve livelihood and expand the agricultural drive in those areas.
Addressing a community meeting at Kwakwani Workers Club, Persaud gave the assurance that every effort will be made to alleviate the concerns.
“The communities within Region Ten are unique and require special attention, at the Government level, to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to deal with situations since we believe that remote hinterland locations deserve differential attention,” he said.
Persaud informed that all the actions and programmes that will be developed to meet their needs would be geared towards ensuring that young people will remain in the areas to assist in further development.
“For a long time, the focus has been on bauxite but we want you to continue to grow and thrive so that you will be able to enjoy growth and prosperity,” he offered.
Alluding to worries over the forestry practices, Persaud observed that there are 27 concessions granted in Region Ten alone, the highest in any one area and, as such, it is imperative that sustainability is maintained.
He encouraged loggers to make use of all of the opportunities available, including the current construction boom in the country.
“There have been reports of low productivity and some contractors are saying that they cannot access supplies. We have the scope to do much more,” Persaud urged.
In this regard, he revealed that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) will be conducting training and capacity building this year, in an effort to ensure that the local forestry sector continues to grow.

SUCH BREACHES

As it relates to the penalties and fines for violation of codes of practices, Persaud emphasised that the Ministry of Agriculture will not tolerate such breaches.
Many operators present complained that the monetary impositions for related offences are too high and they, simply, cannot afford to pay them.
In response, the Minister affirmed that all the sanctions imposed are in direct relation to the violations.
“Do not complain about the fines that are applied. We will not be tolerating breaches, if you do not adhere to the agreements, then fines will need to be imposed,” he reiterated.
He reassured the residents, though, of the commitment by the Ministry of Agriculture to continue working with everyone involved.
Persaud, referring to agricultural practices in the communities, including livestock rearing, underscored the importance of pasture development.
He indicated that the recently established Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will make sure that the right policies are formulated.
“This is all wrapped up in our transformational agenda that we are pursuing in our country,” Persaud stated.
He acknowledged that many challenges are faced by communities in the Region and that several concerned community members pointed to the dire need for improvement to the Linden to Ituni road, which is integral to the logging industry in the area.
Persaud promised to mention, to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn, the issue of upgrading the roadway road among others.