-chairman says region can be an ‘agriculture hub’

GIVEN that Region 10 imports 80% of its food, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is currently considering a number of agriculture projects which could develop the sector and provide employment for residents.

This disclosure was made by Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

He noted that, although the region is known to many as the mining town, it is also an agriculture area, and, with much-needed development and funds, the region can become an ideal agriculture hub in the country.

“I hold agriculture dear to my heart. Agriculture, I believe holds the greatest potential to create jobs in the region and it is my hope that a massive investment will be made,” he said.

Adams told this publication that currently the region imports some 80% of its food and within the next few years the RDC will be looking to significantly reduce this percentage through a number of agriculture projects and training programmes.

Adams stated: “We need the assistance. We want to have an agro-processing plant built, we would have budgeted for it but I’m not sure it is going to be approved in the 2021 budget through the agriculture department.”

Adams said the setting up of market places and platforms for agro-processors in the region to advertise and potentially sell their products and goods to consumers is also being discussed at the level of the council.

“What we are taking steps to do as well is to set up a farmer’s market day here in the region where farmers can have at least two days in the week where they can bring out their produce,” he explained.

The council, he noted has already pin-pointed two locations in Linden to hold such an activity.

“We are trying to get the area at the Wismar Market made available and another area in Mackenzie. We want a set up like they have in Georgetown where persons who are into agro-processing can bring their products out on display and have a special day dedicated for them to market, highlight and sell their produce,” he said.

Additionally, he disclosed that the council is looking to set up community farms across the region that will not only benefit Lindeners, but also persons living in surrounding communities.

“There is also something that I’m exploring where we want to set up community farms, where we can identify lands in various communities and invite the CDC (Civil Defence Commission) and other stakeholders to get on board and set up community shops.”

As it relates to youths in agriculture, Adams disclosed that the region has already started two programmes to encourage youngsters to become more involved in the agriculture sector.

“We cannot continue to approach the agriculture sector with the traditional means. That is why last month, I would have launched a programme where we are incorporating youth and ITC and agriculture.”

According to Adams, ten of the region’s youth recently completed a four-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme, aimed at enhancing development in the agriculture sector.

Further, the council in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) recently launched its ‘Farmtastic’ Kitchen Garden initiative which saw children from age four to six planting vegetables in their own kitchen garden.

Adams disclosed that in the coming month, he hopes to expand these programmes so as to ensure food security in the region.