THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government has budgeted a total of $277.524M for the rice sector, specifically targeting Regions 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9. In its quest to further alleviate the challenges facing farmers within these regions, the government, in this year’s budget, has identified five multi-million dollars projects that would be executed by the Regional Democratic Councils.
In Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), $44.846M has been budgeted for the completion of the regulator at La Resource and the sluices at Perth, Hampton Court and Lima.
Additionally, revetments will be constructed at Urasara and Spring Garden. An irrigation check at Huist’ Dieren, tail wall at Queenstown and a culvert at Bounty Hall will also be constructed.
The $44.846M will complement the $58M that was spent by the government in 2015 for the commencement of the project, which is slated to be completed by December 31, 2016. Upon completion, this drainage and irrigation project will improve agricultural yields, drainage and irrigation facilities and access to farm lands.
Over in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) another ongoing project will be completed with financial provisions catered for in the budget.
At a cost of $45.020M agriculture structures at Meten-Meer-Zorg and Kashmire will be erected, in addition to revetment at Sister’s Village and culvert at Groentveldt. The revetment and sluice at Bagotville are also in the line-up to be rehabilitated. This project, which commenced in 2015, has a total value of $70.130M, however, $25.1M was spent during the initial stages of the project.
The Government has also set aside $57.168M to improve drainage and irrigation systems in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice). This new initiative will see a revetment being constructed at Wash Clothes, and empoldering of land at Grass Hook. Access roads and bridges within the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary areas would be either constructed or rehabilitated while the channels at Fairfield/Broomhall and Vevay would undergo rehabilitation. Drainage structures at Wash Clothes, Biabu and Grass Hook will also be installed. According to the projection description, this multi-million dollar agriculture initiative, which is expected to be wrapped up by December 31, will improve agriculture production in the area.
In Region 6 (EAST Berbice/Corentyne) – a region that depends heavily on rice production – the Regional Democratic Council will be tasked with the responsibility to execute a $95.870M project that would improve access to farm lands. It will also improve the region’s drainage and irrigation network.
The project includes construction and rehabilitation of bridges at Kortberaad, De Kinderen, Mibicuri, No. 63/64 and Mibicuri/Johanna; construction of revetments at Baracara, Grant 1651, No. 73 and sluices at Lesbeholden; excavation of canals at Alness.
Total of the project was set at $146.280M, however, $50.410M was already spent in 2015 and the remaining $95.870 has been budgeted for the completion of the project this year.
In Region 9 (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) shade houses will be constructed to enhance agricultural activities within the region. Additionally, the abattoirs at Sand Creek, Aishalton, Annai and Karasabai would be rehabilitated. Provisions are also being made for the purchase of ATV, artificial insemination, equipment, testing kits and swing-fog machines.
In 2015, a total of $44.756M was budgeted for these projects within the region but only $10.136M was expended. Hence, the remaining $34.620M is expected to be expended this year.