NARESH Bhanwandeo is a rice and cash-crop farmer who also rears cows and is a resident of Big Biaboo Village, Mahaica, where he resides in Region Four, but farms in Region Five.

The father of two is also the Chairman of the Upper Mahaica River Farmer’s Association and is a bird- watching tour operator.

He is planting crops of rice, plantains and watermelons and would sell his produce to wholesale buyers, who would show up to make purchases when there is a harvest.

“It is hard to work on the farm in the day, then when I get a harvest to have to wake up at 03:00hrs in the morning to go and sell the produce at the market,” he said.

It is not profitable selling to wholesalers, but he reported it is easier because of distance, time, and money.

Bhagwandeo told the Pepperpot Magazine that being a farmer entails many challenges, but in that section of the country, there are no other work options, and the nearest market is at Mahaica, which is the central hub for many businesses.

He explained that with bora crops, a farmer could reap every other day, and it is perishable, so they have to sell it off quickly. But the bora is of high quality, and they are the largest bora producers.

The farmer added that ground provisions, which some farmers plant would produce a harvest weekly and it is difficult for them to go and sell their produce at markets.

“Wholesale vending at nights and early mornings are dangerous in the city, so we do not want to put ourselves in any danger, but at the same time, we are not making a profit,” he said.

Bhagwandeo also related that costs for drugs and fertilisers have increased significantly and now it is at $14,000 per bag for fertilisers, putting a hole in the pockets of farmers.

He also stated that the farmers need a farm-to-market road going through Grass Hook and Big Biaboo, because there are difficulties farmers face getting their produce out.

The farmer disclosed that the village isn’t covered by any Neighbourhood Democratic Council and falls under the purview of the regional administration.

Bhagwandeo told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Upper Mahaica River Farmer’s Association has 150 members, comprising both men and women.

He stated that annually they distribute hampers to the elderly and differently-abled in the community.

Bhagwandeo added that they provide ploughing of farmlands for farmers within the association at a reduced cost and lend support, as well.

Bird-watching tours
As for his small business of being a bird-watching tour operator, Bhagwandeo told the Pepperpot Magazine that he works with four local tour operators in the city.

He would make the necessary arrangements for his boat to facilitate the Mahaica River tour of bird watching for tourists.

The speed boat service is his side business and he would also provide breakfast as part of the tour package; and this week he had three such tours.

He disclosed that the peak seasons are in February and in September annually, and at times some locals would be a part of the tour.

Bhagwandeo pointed out that the Mahaica River is home to our national bird, the Canje Pheasant, the howler monkey, the river otter (water dog) and about 50 species of birds, which are part of the sight-seeing tour.

He noted that the breakfast provided on the excursion usually features local cuisine, which consists of dhal puri, chicken curry and other dietary requirements of the tourists, who may be vegetarian; there are options of potatoes/channa curry with roti.

Bhagwandeo stated that the Mahaica River separates Regions Four and Five and it is a safe haven for birds, making it the perfect bird-watching location and a beautiful place to live and earn.