AGRICULTURE Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy indicated in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle that works are currently underway to improve drainage on the recently commissioned cattle pastures at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
He explained that these pastures are not just open land, but have grass growing on them to facilitate convenient feeding of cattle, therefore proper drainage is essential.

“In the past, we had just put animals in an area and didn’t really look at drainage. Drainage was for rice, sugar and cash crops, not for cattle. But, in fact, they need the same kind of drainage as anything else, because they feed, they drink water,” he stated.
Dr Ramsammy further noted that if there is not adequate drainage in the area, there could be floods resulting from heavy rainfalls, which could cause the animals to get sick and subsequently die.
He emphasised that the pastures are currently being utilizsd, but maintained that drainage works are ongoing; and the current main issue is preparing for the impending rainfall.
The 13.6-hectare pastures were commissioned last October at an approximate cost of $16M, and it is expected to benefit some 80 cattle farmers from the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida area.