By Naomi Parris

FARMERS of Cane Grove, Mahaica will soon benefit from improved drainage and irrigation and a number of agriculture projects following a meeting with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday.

The farmers, who were gathered at a local play ground in their village, expressed a number of concerns as it relates to their livelihoods, lack of drainage due to clogged canals and drains, as well as the believed mismanagement of the local authorities in the area as it relates to water users.

In response to the farmers concerns, the minister noted that himself and the other agencies attached to the Ministry of Agriculture are currently working to build a close-knitted relationship with farmers to ensure all their issues are resolved so to ensure a vibrant agriculture sector.

“I have already visited some areas already, I have dealt with issues that are affecting the farming community and I hope that we can deal with the issues you are facing. I know for a fact that you have serious problem of drainage and irrigation,” he said, adding: “We will have machine, a dedicated machine in this area to do all the canals and that machine will not move until all the canals are filtered and clean so that you can benefit.”

Meanwhile, in addressing the concerns that were raised by residents about farmers occupying government reserves, the minister said, “I don’t want to put anybody out of their employment, so we will have to have a decision taken by the community. If those reserves are not affecting anyone then we should leave those comrades there, if it is affecting anyone and we need access to it then we will help the comrades to find other means of doing their farming.”

With regard to the mismanagement of the local authorities and the water users, the minister told farmers that he will see to it that their concerns are addressed and the subvention to water users is reinstated, along with a new body to govern the area.

“The last government took away the subvention from the water users ….When I took up this position as minister I said that I will restore the subvention to the water users, but the water users must be accountable and we must have regular election,” the minister said.

“Before the year is out the water users in Cane Grove will have a new election and a new body,” he told the Cane Grove farmers.