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And this has been so primarily because during the long 28-year reign of rule by the PNC government, no genuine effort was made to develop the agricultural potential of our hinterland. In fact, that government neglected the entire agricultural sector which resulted in Guyana becoming a net importer of food and in the near collapse of the agriculture sector.
Logistical problems have also been a major challenge because road networks in our hinterland have remained largely undeveloped, but in more recent years under the current government, efforts are ongoing to create and develop road links which are essential to bring out agricultural produce from these areas as the alternative airlifting is uneconomical and therefore impracticable.
Unlike those who put their political agenda in front and are quibbling over issues that are debilitating against our national interest and development, like the infantile and puerile political stance of accepting the merits of a bill, but voting against it because of the minister who piloted it, the government has been working patiently, tirelessly and consistently towards developing this country and continuously moving it forward in the interest of our people.
The current Santa Fe mega farm project in the Rupununi is a prime example of what the government is doing to expand our agriculture sector and, by extension, our socio-economic advancement.
According to Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the Santa Fe mega farm which is thriving out of what was formerly wasteland in Region 9, is a living example of the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture. He stated that the mega farm, which he visited recently with a team from the Agriculture Ministry, including Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh, is a living and successful example of what is possible under the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’.
“I know some people have said that the Jagdeo Initiative is a waste of time…I invite all of them to come to Santa Fe, because Santa Fe is not only a thriving farm that is sprouting out of wasteland, but Santa Fe is a living example of the Jagdeo Initiative,” he asserted.
“So Santa Fe is a success story. Even though it was just October, 2010, that the discussion occurred about the possibility of establishing a farm in the hinterland, we’ve been able between 2010 and now to find the land, develop the land, and to have actual production occur,” he stated.
He said that it was during that time that the Simpson family of Barbados, who are the owners of the Sol Group, visited Guyana and had discussions with the then president and government. According to the minister, after these discussions, they decided to invest in 10,000 acres to cultivate rice, soya and corn.
He further noted that they have started with the first 120 acres of rice and have begun to put in all the necessary infrastructure in place, such as irrigation and drainage canals and a pump system. In addition, he said they have constructed a silo and a rice mill on site.
However, he said the Simpson family has realised that 10,000 acres will not be enough, and has applied to the Government of Guyana to extend their allocation to 30,000 acres, and this has been approved by the government.
Ramsammy related that the rice being produced at Santa Fe is intended to satisfy the local Region 9 market, thereby causing rice prices to drop in that region since rice will no longer have to be transported from the coastland. In addition, rice from Santa Fe will also be exported to Brazil.
Santa Fe could become another Black Bush Polder which was transformed from a rattle-snake infested swamp into one of the largest and most flourishing agricultural schemes in the Caribbean. Thanks to the vision of Dr Cheddi Jagan who had to fight the colonial authorities tooth and nail to have that project fructify.
The development of agriculture in the hinterland would not only increase agricultural production, but will also create employment and stimulate the development of parallel commercial and other entities.
