REGION Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva is urging young people in Region Two to pursue studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) so that they can capitalise on the many opportunities that exist in the agricultural sector.

De Silva made this comment at the first meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for 2024, which was held on Wednesday in the RDC boardroom.

Emphasising that government has been investing in training programmes and providing much-needed resources, De Silva said that lands are opening up in the region for agricultural purposes and as such, young people should see a future for themselves in the sector.

While addressing councillors, she revealed that very soon over 200 young people in the region will benefit from a $200M hydroponic project. She said the project was launched by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali himself and will focus on empowering youths, women and local entrepreneurs in the region.

De Silva said that in addition to the high-technology farms, the government has invested in agro-processing facilities to help entrepreneurs package their produce.

She said that the region has built several community roads so that produce can be transported from farm to market with ease.

The road at Onderneeming Sandpit was also improved so that persons can have better access to the lands that were recently made available for farming. In Mashabo, more lands were cleared for the massive cultivation of various crops.

“I want youths in these areas to grasp the opportunities, train yourselves in the fields so that you yourself can open your own business. I am in the business of agro-processing and I can tell you it has great offers,” De Silva said.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit said that lands were also opened up in the Dartmouth community.

He said more persons can become self-sufficient by becoming involved in agriculture.

Oodit said the government through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is also providing resources and planting materials.

He called on young people to ensure that they continue to explore opportunities in the sector.

Meanwhile, PPP/C councillor Toolsie Narine said that the government is also investing in modern farms. He said that drones were introduced to rice farmers to help them monitor their fields.