Dear Editor,
I AM extremely delighted to attend and observe, as a reporter as well as a participant, the agri-conference and expo organised by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture headed by Zulfikar Mustapha from May 19 to 21. I salute the government for holding the event and I thank those who sent me an invitation, albeit to attend at my own expense, not to mention to promote and write about it without compensation— all for Guyana and our farmers who toil under difficulties to feed our nation, as well as to export and generate foreign currency. The presence of the international delegates and foreign leaders as well as the public attendance is testimony to its success. Commendations are in order for President Ali, Vice-President Jagdeo, and Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and the latter’s ministry for  recognising the need for such a platform to educate, innovate and encourage the farmers of Guyana and the Caribbean region to participate in the conference and to motivate local and international investors and entrepreneurs for attending this conference and expo. Guyana is endowed with large tracts of fertile soil, a lot of sunshine and water and hardworking farmers — all qualities needed to produce to feed a nation and export — to be the breadbasket of the region and to supply favourite products to the diaspora. This platform to showcase Guyana’s agriculture to the world is a very good start.

The conference and expo was attended by heads of government of CARICOM and/or their substitutes and hundreds of delegates from several countries. Many individuals from the diaspora attended. It also attracted agri-entrepreneurs and investors within Guyana and around the region as well as the diaspora. This is the first such agri conference, not only in Guyana, but also in the Anglophone Caribbean. The heads of government praised the organising as well as the exhibits (expo) and the level of discussion; all of them indicated they would like to replicate such a conference in their territory.

It was indeed quite impressively organized and is worthy of praise. I attended dozens of conferences, including agro-conferences and exhibitions in India and China; our government did a splendid job; kudos go to the President, Ministry, Minister, planners and all those involved in conceiving and executing the project. In even around interacting with people over those three days, there were only praises; even critics and political opponents agreed that it was an excellent conference and expo. As someone who organised many seminars and conferences and as someone who studied Bio-Chemistry (that has relevance to agri industry), economics (agriculture in development, marketing and trade), and political science, I have a few critiques and suggestions which I will pen separately.

Thousands visited this event and undoubtedly gained knowledge from the exhibition and various presentations and workshops and the display of modern equipment as well as technology for use in agri production. Many shopped for varied items that were on display and/ or for sale. Many samples were given away. Healthy juices and snacks, as well as other food items and drinks were sold and/or given away. Booths had brochures about their products and/ or their company.

It was a matter of great satisfaction to me that the conference and expo and the items on display showcased and educated the farmers and consumers about improvements in agri production, as well as healthy eating. The presentations and workshops on diverse areas of agriculture are most helpful to the farming sector. Among the best, if not the best presentation, was that of the Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo. He captured the audience. He was short and to the point, enumerating the issues and proposed solutions to help small farmers. He committed to taking measures to helping small farmers to produce and market their products. I commend the VP for focusing on the small farmers who are really the backbone of the economy and who perform backbreaking work. They are not always appreciated. Jagdeo’s presentation will strengthen the confidence of the small farmers to produce.

I firmly believe that unless we create a value chain involving and giving support to the cultivator or producer all the way, harvester and to consumer through reliable markets, the profitability of farming will not improve. Farmers will suffer losses or barely make ends meet.

In the last several years, there has been an agrarian crisis with local farmers losing a lot of money.  The previous government neglected agriculture. It was revived under the new PPP administration from August 2020, but the flood of April/May 2021 took the wind out of the sails of the government. Agricultural improvement is on track again because of the focus of the government to revive food production and shortage of food globally. The conference is timely that we need to produce more.

I was most impressed with the conference and expo. A platform such as this will play a major role in transforming the current agricultural situation. Follow ups are needed for implementation of ideas. The President, VP, and Minister of Agriculture must ensure that scientific and financial ideas are carried to conclusion to boost production and export.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Vishnu Bisram