MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has announced that his ministry will establish a national think tank to engage persons with practical ideas to help continue the transformation of the sector. Addressing officers of the Department in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) in the Regional Boardroom at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, on Thursday, he said agriculture is critical to the development of the country and livelihood of Guyanese.
The newly appointed Minister said himself and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Alli Baksh and technical officers will be out in the field in various regions with farmers six days per month to give advice on the ground.
Ramsammy said the potential of Guyana being the breadbasket of the Caribbean is evident because of the tremendous strides made in agriculture during the last two decades.
He said, within the next five years, Guyana will be established as the breadbasket of the Caribbean.
Ramsammy pointed out that, to achieve the vision, scientists attached to his ministry will have to give new knowledge and tools to add to the vast experience of farmers.
He said the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and Guyana Livestock Development Agency will have to function in a more user friendly way that can benefit all.
Ramsammy said his ministry will continue to build on new varieties and species of plants and crops to enhance production because agriculture must be a significant export earner while, at the same time, feeding the people of Guyana.
Speaking about fishing, he said that industry is also important, especially in deep and shallow water and he pledged that aquaculture will be elevated within the next five years.
Minister Baksh added that non-traditional crops will be expanded, particularly in Amerindian communities where the soil is more fertile.
He said to boost the agriculture drive, persons will have to move to the more fertile soil to expand cultivation.