THE Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday staged an ‘Eat What We Produce’ health walk, which saw focus being shifted from the popular foods imported to the benefits of going local.

The walk, which began at 07:00hrs on Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, ended in the compound of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). The initiative is now

expected to be an annual feature in the Ministry’s calendar of activities for Agriculture Month, in an effort to continuously encourage Guyanese to consume more locally grown produce. It was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture.
A highlight of the walk was the debut of a jingle created by the students of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA). The lyrics of the short tune read, “Eat what we grow- Grow what we eat, Guyanese Foods are the best for your children.”

IMPORTANT TOURISM BOOST
Representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Tamika Singh, who welcomed the initiative, spoke of its importance in further developing tourism in Guyana. “Agriculture is important to Tourism…we promote our local produce and products, and that is what is sold to our locals and tourists and that is what enhances our tourism sector and that is what’s important,” she said.
Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy endorsed these comments, and in brief remarks, he underscored the fact that such an event demonstrates that Guyana can indeed make maximum benefits from what is grown and produced locally.
The minister added that such an event should not be seen only as agriculture oriented, but also as part of a fabric of development as it is now incorporated into tourism agenda in Guyana.
Dr. Ramsammy, lauding the move by the Ministry of Tourism and the many restaurants and canteens who have endorsed the event thus far, encouraged others to come join the campaign, adding, “If we ourselves don’t use what we grow and produce, how do we expect others to do so.”

NEW VENTURE
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture will shortly launch its first ever recipe book- with wholesome Guyanese recipes.
This, according to the minister is not only necessary, but is one step to ensuring that Guyanese eat healthy meals prepared from locally grown fruits and vegetables.