AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud has reiterated government’s support for the transformation of the agriculture sector, emphasising the importance of taking into consideration the views of citizens in decision making. This assurance was given by Mr. Persaud during an interactive session with residents and farmers of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) at the Bush Lot Primary School.
The minister told the gathering that government will continue to support the transformation of the agriculture sector and he used the opportunity to seek feedback from farmers and residents, while updating them on some interventions that will be implemented for the May/June rainy season.
“We are holding a series of meetings, because we want to be aware of the preparations taking place for the rainy season as well as update you on what is happening with rice and other sectors,” Persaud said.  
The Agriculture Ministry has put a number of measures in place to reduce the possibility of flooding during the upcoming rainy season.
In this regard, Persaud said that all agencies within the agriculture sector have already been instructed to take all possible steps to minimize the effects of any possible flooding.
“While we are putting measures in place to avert any possible flooding, there are some areas that cannot be avoided, because we are below the sea level and most of you who have been watching international news would have seen what is taking place in Mississippi in[The] United States of America, where thousands of acres of land are under water and hundreds of families are affected,” Persaud informed the gathering.
He noted that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Mahaica/ Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) will continue to monitor all drainage structures in the region to ensure they are functioning to their maximum capacity.
In preparing for the rainy season he said, NDIA has been enhancing its fleet of equipment in the region, particularly in low-lying areas to drain off excess water faster.
Persaud said that Guyana’s drainage system was built to accommodate one and a half inches of rainfall but, the government is consistently working to change that as it continues to look at other interventions and methodologies and at the same time deal with climate change as a permanent reality.
He assured that the improvements will continue in the region and more resources will be made available for projects such as the Hope Canal, especially since there have been increased agricultural activities requiring continuously enhanced drainage and irrigation.
Minister Persaud stated that effective D&I requires a national effort and called on regional administrations, communities, farmers and individuals to cooperate especially during the rainy season.
Farmers and residents were told that the decision-making policy of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is done through a process of listening and engaging beneficiaries and stakeholders.
“There is still a lot more to be done and every single rainy season we have to be ready to boost capacity and, I want to assure you that in the coming period these works will be undertaken …we have moved from occupancy level in the MMA area from 20 percent to 90 percent to date and at present I have about 200 more leases to be signed,” Persaud said. 
He said that while there is an urgent rush by farmers for more land, the government has to strike a balanced approach in meeting those demands “since money will have to be invested to put in place the necessary infrastructure”.    
Persaud, while updating farmers about the development taking place in the rice sector, disclosed that for the first time in the country’s history, Guyana has been able to produce in excess of 200,000 tonnes of rice in the first crop, despite numerous challenges. 
“In fact, this year we will be looking at producing in excess of 400,000 tonnes of rice, that has never happened before and perhaps if we did not have  La Nina conditions we would have been able to double that success,” the minister opined.
The minister attributed this success to the tireless work of the ministry and the toiling efforts of farmers.       
With regard to the ongoing advancements in the development of new rice varieties and proper management practices in the industry, Guyana recorded an increase in rice exportation in 2010.
Persaud noted that government was aware of some of the challenges facing  the sugar industry and cognizant of this, it has put in place a turnaround plan that has seen for the first time in eight years , GuySuCo being able to produce in excess of 100,000 tonnes of sugar in the first crop.
Farmers were informed of the establishment of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority and that one of its main thrusts will see the resuscitation of pastures across the country.
“We will also be conducting national surveys to identify where the needs are for pastures. We must not have our cattle roaming or farmers complaining about cattle nuisance,” Minister Persaud said.   
Region Five Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo also informed residents of other areas of progress that are taking place in the region, including in the education, health and social sectors. (GINA)