–over 100 bags of fertiliser donated by NAREI

OVER 100 farmers, operating in the Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) area, received much-needed support to fast-track their recovery from the dire effects of flooding, which occurred earlier this year. Farming is the main economic activity in the Pomeroon area. The main crops grown there are coconuts, avocado, citrus and vegetables. In January 2021, Lower and Upper Pomeroon experienced flooding for many weeks and, as a result, the ability of farmers to earn was reduced significantly.
Following a commitment by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, to assist persons affected by flooding, some 255 farmers of Upper Pomeroon received fertilisers to restore nutrients to the soil. This, by extension, allowed farmers to re-cultivate their lands, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Jagnarine Singh said. “Today (Monday), we sent 100 bags of 12-12-17-2 fertiliser and 300 packs of ant bait to the Regional Democratic Council for distribution. The fertiliser will be distributed to farmers of Martindale and neighbouring communities. And, the Acoushi ant bait will be distributed to every Amerindian community in Region Two,” Singh said.

Regional Chairwoman of the Region Two RDC, Vilma DaSilva, expressed gratitude for the intervention by the minister and NAREI. She related that the flood had affected the livelihoods of farmers and the effects are still being experienced owing to reduced productivity.
“Since the relief effort started, farmers of Jacklow UPR, Marlborough LPR, Cozier Canal LPR have already benefitted. This assistance will greatly help farmers to restart production as well as reduce production cost. We want our farmers to produce and earn,” DaSilva said.
NAREI is also helping to combat Acoushi ants in the region. A total of 300 packs of acoushi ant bait will be distributed in the Pomeroon and Amerindian communities.
This would be done through a collaboration between NAREI and the communities. Some communities that will receive bait this week are Wakapoa, Akawini, Karawab, St. Monica and Kabakaburi. Additionally, fogging exercises will be done in the various communities. (DPI)