Officials from the Agriculture Ministry have indicated that they are impressed by the progress at the Santé Fe mega farm which has begun harvesting of paddy.

They are right to be impressed, because the Santa Fe investment is a ground-breaking one and is a significant boost to the local agriculture sector and could be the major stimulant in the unleashing of the huge agricultural potential of our interior communities.
The first bumper crop of dry-land rice will be processed at the nearby mill which was set up for this purpose.
Importantly, upland rice cultivation is a first-time venture on such a scale in Guyana, neighbouring country Brazil, on similar soil, has been able to enjoy 25 years of success in this type of cultivation.
Given the short growing season associated in upland rice cultivation, the rice can be planted around the rainy season in the region. There is also scope for the cultivation of other crops and the farm is exploring cultivation of some fruits and vegetables as the aim is to create a large-scale multi-farm. At present, all crops, including rice, are being done on a very small scale, but the expectation is to increase production over time, even as plans are in place to introduce new cultivation to the farm.
The next rice crop is expected to see about 1,000 acres of rice cultivated, 980 acres more than what was planted in this first crop. During the next rainy season, the farm will venture into soya bean cultivation. Also on the agenda is the rearing of beef and dairy animals on 30 acres of the farmland.
While this investment will boost the agriculture sector, it will also open a new vista of opportunities in the communities with respect to the opening up of new businesses and the creation of employment as related businesses, particularly those involved in machinery and spare parts.
Greater employment will help to reduce poverty which is one of the main concerns in our hinterland communities.
In addition, the Santa Fe farm is strategically placed in that it is located close to our giant South American neighbour Brazil, which has a large market for rice and other agricultural produce and products. This market could be tapped into which will bring greater dividends for both the investor and the national economy.
Santa Fe is yet another example of exciting and positive things that are happening in our country which some who sit in their “Ivory Towers” in Georgetown are unaware of and continue to unjustifiably bash the government for doing nothing for the socio-economic advancement of this country.
And had it not been for the destructive ways of the cynics and their collaborators, there would have been even more exciting and optimistic developments in our country.