SOME 120 residents from several communities in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) each received 20 Black Giant chickens to help them become self-sufficient, and increase their poultry output.

The distribution exercise was held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s sub-office at Tarlogie, on the Corentyne Coast, on Saturday.

Beneficiaries who spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) eagerly expressed their readiness to undertake the initiative to support their families.

One resident, Malika Caesar, welcomed the distribution exercise, noting that this is the first time she will be rearing these types of birds, and that the earnings will do well for her family.

“We normally rear other types of chickens, but this is the first time we will be rearing Black Giant chickens,” an elated Caesar stated.

Yudhisthir Drepaul is happy about the support from the government, as it will help him restart his business, since he used to rear Black Giant chicks years ago.

Another beneficiary, Lakeram Khemraj, said he is happy to be a part of the government’s agriculture development drive.

“I feel very good, since this is the first time I will be rearing Black Giant chickens. The guy speaks about how we should look after it, and this will be very good,” Khemraj told the DPI.

Similarly, Jagdi Shamdhary lauded the timely gesture, and added that he would adhere to all the instructions provided by the ministry to increase his production.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the farmers that the government will keep making investments in the agriculture sector by implementing developmental programmes for its growth.

“We are already self-sufficient in producing all the poultry needs. What we are doing now is for us to be a net exporter; we want to produce more, so we can export in the Caribbean… In the agriculture sector, we are seeing rapid development taking place,” the minister pointed out.

The Black Giant chicken is a sizable dual-purpose bird that can produce up to 200 eggs, and roughly 4.5 kilograms of meat annually.

Almost 52,000 chickens were distributed across the hinterland regions and other parts of the country. Approximately four farmers also received broilers to maximise their productivity.

The minister was joined by the ministry’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj; the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI)’s Chief Executive Officer Jagnarine Singh; the Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA)’s CEO Dr. Dwight Walrond; the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)’s CEO Lionel Wordsworth; Regional Chairman David Armogan; and other officials. (DPI)