Ever since its formation in 1950, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) recognised and acknowledged the major role of agriculture in our economic development and when it got into government it immediately began an agriculture drive which led Guyana to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, during its first term in government in 1953, it could not have done much for any sector, needles the agriculture sector because it was forcibly removed by the British colonial government after only 133 days in office.

However, it was during its stay in office during the period of 1957-1964 that it was able to really push agricultural development. Rice production during this period increased by an incredible 74% while sugar production topped the 300,000-tonne mark annually.

Production of fruits, vegetables, ground provision and milk flourished. Milk production soared to such a level that a milk processing plant was established at Kingston.

The success of the agricultural policies and programmes by the PPP government was so enviable that the People’s National Congress (PNC) in an attempt to throw racial spanner into the works dubbed the government a “rice government” and “coolie government.”

It was during this period when the foundation for our agriculture sector was laid with the Black Bush Polder MMA/ADA, Tapacuma schemes, duty free fuel and fertilisers for rice farmers.
In fact, milk and ground provisions were so abundant and cheap that it prompted the People’s National Congress (PNC-now APNU) to put into its 1964 election manifesto that it will give “Free cassava and milk.” It said, “Not a soul shall go to bed hungry.” Unfortunately, when they got into government the opposite took place as agricultural production plummeted because of poor policies and programmes.

When the PPP returned to government in 1992, agriculture was at a low ebb and drainage and irrigation infrastructure were in a state of near collapse. So the PPP-led government like its predecessor of 1957-1964, set about to overhaul the agriculture sector and diversify and expand the agriculture sector. Today, agriculture is once again a success story under another PPP led government.
Therefore, it was not a surprise that, at the activity to launch the observance of Agriculture Month at Bath on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud declared: “Farmers are a special breed and the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) has always recognised and supported farmers.”
He also  noted that compared to the 1990s, the agriculture sector has flourished and has become a significant contributor to growth in Guyana’s economy – a success Persaud credits to hard working and resilient farmers.

The minister is quite correct because indeed our farmers are dedicated and continue to make tremendous sacrifice to put food on our tables. Farming is by no means an easy occupation and great risks are involved, particularly against the backdrop of climate change.
Presenting facts and figures to illustrate the government’s agricultural thrust and success, the minister said the total allocation for the agriculture sector is some $9.1B, in this year’s 2011 budget. The Agriculture Minister also contends that the sector is now poised to expand its services to farmers, rural farming communities and other stakeholders.

“We will not be deterred from investing in our people,” Persaud posited.
He pointed to the sector’s run-down state prior to 1992, noting that sugar production was very poor and rice production was below 100,000 tonnes.
He stressed that while there have been challenges, the sector has done well, especially in the area of rice production, as 2011 is expected to close with the highest production in history, with over 400,000 tonnes.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, at the same event, said the Government will continue to support agriculture and he urged farmers to embrace the new technology and industries connected to the sector in the future, as he threw his support behind PPP/C Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar, saying that he too is a supporter of the sector.
“The People’s Progressive Party has never been a fair- weather friend of the farmers. We have been there in the good times and we have been there in the bad times,” the President said.
“We in the government will continue to support agriculture. If you look at agriculture in the region, you would see that it is declining. While they have incentives for tourism and so many other sectors, there are few for agriculture,” the President said.
“In this country, we have a whole range of incentives for the agriculture sector,” he said, adding that the country’s yearly budget supports agriculture in a significant way.
“I am convinced that Donald Ramotar will bear the torch for the PPP in the next five years; and because of his struggle for freedom in this land, freedom that we celebrate today, the anniversary of which we celebrate today, I am convinced that farmers and the agriculture sector in this country will grow stronger,” Mr. Jagdeo posited.

So despite the negative picture the detractors may try to paint, the facts and figures and reality tell it all.