ALL studies for the Aurora agricultural project have been completed and the Government is currently mobilising financing for the massive undertaking that will see over 5,000 acres of lands for rice, cattle rearing and other cash crops being opened up.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy over the weekend at a press briefing. “We will need some $3B for the Aurora Project to be brought into completion,” he said.
Launched in 2011, the project which closely embraces the Diversification Strategy and Rural Development Plan, will benefit farmers living in the villages of Aurora, Good Hope, Riverstown, Suddie and Supenaam Creek.
According to him, the lands in the area targeted under the project are “fertile lands” and the funding, once secured, will support improvement of the drainage and irrigation systems in the area.
“We have fertile land, but drainage and irrigation needs to be addressed, since the current drainage and irrigation system to satisfy the existing land is already having challenges. We have to develop new arrangements for that,” Dr. Ramsammy said.
The project was designed with the intention to have a huge impact in the farming community, and would generate employment for very many persons. The initiative is also expected to benefit young people who are aspiring to explore the agricultural sector.
The Agriculture Minister added that work on phase two of the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Scheme continues, stressing that the project is one of “now,” contrary to recent media reports.
He stated too that efforts are under way to open up the Canje Basin, Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).
“The next five years for agriculture look extremely exciting, there will be challenges, but it will be an exciting time,” he concluded. (Vanessa Narine)