FARMERS from the hinterland community of Ituni, Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice) are interested in hemp cultivation and will soon benefit from a number of critical interventions as the government moves toward improving and developing agriculture in hinterland communities.

During an outreach earlier in the week, several farmers raised concerns about land leases, and signaled their interest in the cultivation of hemp with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

One farmer disclosed that he has been trying to obtain the legal documents for his agriculture land for some time now.

“I’m 48 years old and I don’t want to have to wait for another 25 years to have a licence or a lease for this land. I am not doing this for myself, I am doing this for my children and grandchildren to come.”

Additionally, farmers present expressed their interest in getting involved in the cultivation of hemp. Citing the industry’s profitability, several farmers sought clarity on how they can be given access to the necessary permits to cultivate industrial hemp.

Minister Mustapha told farmers that although the Ministry of Agriculture is not responsible for issuing farmlands, the ministry often engages the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on issues relating to leases for farming. And so he indicated that he will try to provide some assistance.

While answering questions about hemp cultivation, Minister Mustapha said that the process to develop the regulatory body to guide the industry has commenced.

“We recently passed legislation to legalise the cultivation of industrial hemp in Guyana. The legislation stipulates that a regulatory body has to be in place and we’ve commenced the process of having that body developed. Two regions were identified for the initial cultivation of hemp; Regions Six and 10. So, when the regulatory body is in place you will be able to apply for licences to cultivate industrial hemp. I want to assure you that small-holding farmers will benefit. This project will target farmers who have small acreages, maybe one or two acres,” he explained. (Modified release from the Ministry of Agriculture)