NAREI increasing tomato seedlings production

FARMERS producing tomatoes for the Pakaraima Flavours Sundried Tomato Project of Region Eight were able to surpass the project’s initial target for 2018, owing to the availability of planting materials. As such, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will be producing 30,000 tomato seedlings this year.

This is according to Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, the agency responsible for ensuring that farmers access quality tomato seedlings and training. He noted that last year NAREI produced 29,000 tomato seedlings- 4,000 more than initially planned.
The project was launched in 2017 collaboratively with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and Social Protection and NAREI.
The primary purpose of the initiative is to help transform the economies of the hinterland communities involved.
With processing adding significant value to the seedlings, the project adds value to the crop being produced, resulting in farmers realising a high return on their investment.

Dr. Homenauth related that in 2018, 18,000lbs of fresh tomatoes were produced by over 50 farmers compared to 7,000lbs produced by 25 farmers in 2017. In addition, to the financial benefits for farmers, the increase in fresh produce means that there is adequate supply for the production of the Pakaraima  Flavoured Ketchup and Pakaraima  Flavoured Salad Dressing.
The products are processed by IAST and are available on shelves in the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s Guyana Shop and several leading local supermarkets including Bounty Supermarket.

Since the commencement of the project NAREI has been donating the seedlings to farmers. The institute plans to forego any financial gains from the project this year too. Dr. Homenauth, believes that the financial gains would help to improve the livelihoods of farmers and their families.
The communities that are benefitting directly from the project are Bamboo Creek, Bashville, and Paramakatoi. NAREI has been working with farmers to ensure they use green agricultural practices to maintain organic conditions for plants. For instance, farmers are using neam and neam products for pest management.