THE harvesting of pineapples has commenced in Region Two, particularly in the Amerindian communities of Mainstay/Whyaka and Capoey.
A bountiful supply of the sweet fruit has already flooded the Anna Regina and Suddie markets. Pineapple vendors showcase their produce daily on stalls lining the roadways. The sale of pineapples is the main source of income for many farmers, especially in the Arawak community of Mainstay/Whyaka. The community’s sandy soil is ideal for pineapple cultivation. Lascel Pearson, a farmer, told the Guyana Chronicle that he has five acres of land designated for pineapple farming. Currently, farmers in Mainstay are busy reaping the crops with the expectation of collecting about $200 to $600 for each pineapple, he said. According to Pearson, the only challenge being experienced is the short shelf life of the fruit. He told this publication that due to the sweetness and the softness of the pineapples, farmers are forced to sell the fruit early to avoid spoilage. “I have been planting pineapples for the last 40 years. That money I used to send my children to school and, like me, many other farmers did the same,” Pearson said.

Meanwhile, Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka, Yvonne Pearson, said farmers in her community are busy harvesting. The recently re-elected village leader said that she intends to ensure that agriculture is a top priority as this was not the case under the previous village council. She said that she has intentions of resuscitating the community’s farmers association which has been dormant for some time. This newspaper was informed by farmers that over 3000 acres of land are under pineapple cultivation. Another farmer, Mona Williams, related that she wholesales the pineapples she reaps from her farm to persons outside of Essequibo. She said her sisters and brothers usually establish stalls during the season to market the pineapples. While some farmers are satisfied, others desire more markets and better prices for the fruit. Several of the rural farmers said the low prices cannot offset all their expenses which include transportation from their farms to the market. They added that sales are very low. The fruit, over the years, has undoubtedly provided income for many households in Mainstay. It is one of the main economic activities in the village.