–President Ali says; challenges Coverden farmers to explore integrated farming

IN a strategic move to further position Guyana as the “food basket” of the Caribbean, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has revealed discussions are underway for a ferry service to Aruba, aimed at increasing food production.

The President made this announcement, on Friday, during a visit to Coverden, an East Bank Demerara community renowned for its farming activities.

President Ali addressed the local farmers, acknowledging the substantial land resources in the area and challenging them to collaborate effectively.

With over 200 acres of farmland collectively managed by a farmers’ group, he urged them to explore integrated farming models for large-scale food production.

“We have to look at how we can best deploy these 200 acres of lands, whether you can go in an integrated farm with large scale food production and make this the model farm and model area for that…This is where you guys have to come together and work together.

“Because if that is the case, then we know we have 200 acres of land that we have to integrate in a specific way. We have to put some infrastructure to makes it competitive for everybody. You have shared management responsibility. We know that you have 200 acres under livestock. So, we have to think a bit different too,” the President said.

To make the farming initiative more competitiveand attractive, President Ali highlighted the need for shared management responsibility and the integration of specific infrastructure.

He stressed the importance of generating more revenue for Guyana while enhancing the agriculture sector.
One of the revenue generating initiatives he singled out was the partnership between Guyana and its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterparts, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago to establish a ferry service that will transport cargo and passengers.

Last year, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had announced that it will finance consultancy services for a study to explore options for establishing a Maritime Cargo Service among Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago primarily for the movement of agricultural products.

The initiative, according to the CDB, is a part of the institutions pledge to improve food security within the Caribbean, and to promote regional co-operation.

President Ali disclosed ongoing discussions for a ferry service with Aruba, specifically tailored for the transportation of agricultural produce.

“As you can see, we’re already working hard on it to get into the CARICOM Market in a strong way…We have started discussions with Aruba on having a ferry that looks specifically at production, taking agricultural produce there.

“So, food production is going to be a main part of our development. So, if we have greater production in a specific area, then you can have the production coming out of here to supply the regions. So, I want us to think about that,” President Ali said during the engagement with Coverden farmers.

During the visit, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha provided residents with insights into the ongoing agricultural programme and government initiatives, showcasing significant strides in the local farming community.

Mustapha highlighted the formation of a farmers’ group, underscoring the tangible support provided, including essential equipment such as pillars, weeding machines, wheelbarrows, and fertilizers.

The minister emphasised the government’s substantial investment in the area’s drainage systems, with over $70 million spent to date.
“We have cleared six canals, and work is still going on,” Mustapha said, outlining the ongoing commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure.

He revealed plans for upcoming internal drainage projects, emphasising collaborative discussions with local farmers to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives.

The minister touched on the collaborative efforts with livestock farmers, particularly mentioning the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA) programme, which has successfully launched a large-scale operation involving over 1,000 ducks, benefiting more than 50 farmers.

In addition to livestock support, Mustapha highlighted the government’s dedication to training in beekeeping. Two dedicated apiaries, each with 40 and 60 beehives, have been established as part of an extensive nationwide program.

The minister expressed the government’s commitment to further developing the apiary culture industry, with plans to bring in experts for additional support.

Reflecting on the broader context of the agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha acknowledged the significant financial investment made by the government.

He assured residents that Coverden has extensively benefited from these interventions, citing specific instances of support to farmers.

“As a matter of fact, we have 20-25 farmers listed who will receive help with small equipment to continue their crops,” he mentioned, outlining the government’s commitment to addressing specific needs.

Mustapha further noted ongoing efforts to assist farmers with various inputs, including planting materials, emphasising the continuous delivery of these essential resources.