FARMERS whose livelihoods were affected as a result of attacks from rats and acoushi ants have received assistance from the Agriculture Ministry.As part of the Ministry’s countrywide outreach exercise, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder handed over chemicals to farmers during the mission to the Upper Mazaruni region, where he and a team held meetings with residents at Pariuma, Waramadong, Kako and Jawalla villages.
At the recent meeting at the Pariuma Community Centre Hall, several issues were raised with respect to firearm licences, the resuscitation of agriculture in the region, the incorporation of aquaculture, and wild animals damaging agricultural produce.
Minister Holder underscored the importance of agriculture and the need for villages to embark on organic agriculture production.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security. Efforts are now apace to ensure that the much-needed assistance is provided to the region.” the Minister said.
Ensuring that agriculture continues in the region remains an important pillar in the Ministry’s plan for agricultural development in hinterland areas.
At the meetings at Waramadong, Kako and Jawalla, similar issues were raised with access to markets and employment opportunities taking centre-stage, largely due to infrastructural limitations.
According to residents, oftentimes there is no access to markets for the produce. They made an appeal to the subject minister for assistance in marketing their produce.
The issue of firearms was also raised, as the residents complained that wild animals were a hindering factor to agricultural production.
According to Toshao Claude Hastings of Kamarang, wild hogs which attacked their farms during the latter half of the year destroyed 50 percent of farms’ production.
The villagers made an appeal for a speedy decision to be made, noting that their livelihood was threatened.
Minister Holder assured the residents that their concerns would be raised with the subject minister, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, and Hon. Sydney Allicock would be asked to look at ways in which their issues could be resolved.
The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr. George Jervis; Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Mr. Nigel Cumberbatch; Chief Fisheries Officer Mr. Denzil Roberts; Chief Executive Officer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Mr. Freddy Flatts; and Head of the Rural Enterprise and Development Project, Ms. Nadira Edwards-Lee.