A NEW state-of-the-art amphibious excavator was added to the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority’s (MMA-ADA) fleet of machinery.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha commissioned the excavator on Saturday; it was procured for approximately $110 million. This addition is anticipated to greatly enhance agricultural productivity, marking a pivotal moment for the farmers and residents of the region.
Minister Mustapha, in his address, underscored the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector. Over the last four years, the ministry has made significant strides in improving agricultural infrastructure and support systems.

“This has become a regular feature over the last four years and I want to think that this is the sixth piece of equipment that we are bringing here to MMA. Six pieces of excavators, a tractor, and I believe a truck we have brought in since we got into government,” the minister highlighted.

He also pointed out the substantial improvements made in the state of the agricultural schemes. “I want to say that all the canals now are in a state of readiness, very clean. This is because of the work that this agency has been doing.”

A landmark decision by the government was the reversal of the drastic increase in land rental and drainage and irrigation (DNI) charges implemented by the previous administration. The minister shared, “We reversed successfully the land rental and DNI charges from $15,000 to $3,500. With that one measure, farmers in this area, farmers in Region Five were able to save almost $1.3 billion.” This reversal has provided significant financial relief to the farmers, allowing them to reinvest in their agricultural activities.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also focused on improving crop yields through various initiatives. The minister announced: “In the rice industry this year, we have seen an improved yield of 6.5 tons per hectare. The minister further emphasized the fact that the government would continue to make more land available for cultivation, stating, “We are looking to develop another phase of this scheme to expand the land cultivation so that farmers can have access to more land.”

In addition to maintaining traditional agricultural practices, the Ministry of Agriculture is spearheading several innovative projects aimed at diversifying and expanding the sector. Among these initiatives is the construction of the Hope Lake Canal, which will provide direct access for draining water from agricultural lands to the Atlantic Ocean. This project is expected to mitigate flooding and improve irrigation efficiency.
Moreover, the region is set to become a hub of new agricultural activities. The Agriculture Minister outlined various projects, including the production of Vannamei prawns and the development of a state-of-the-art abattoir.

“We have built a state-of-the-art abattoir. We have right next over the road, the Vanami Project, where we will start to produce Vannamei prawns,” he explained.

The region will also see the establishment of a hydroponic farm, one of the largest in the Caribbean, with a capacity to support 100,000 plants at any given time. This farm will focus on high-value crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers.

Mustapha highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “We are replicating that in three regions of this country, Regions Two, Five, and10, where we have over 400 young people who will become shareholders and be involved in the production of high-value crops.”

The Ministry of Agriculture is also making strides in the livestock and aquaculture sectors. Initiatives such as the Black Belly Sheep Programme and the introduction of advanced breeding techniques like artificial insemination and embryo transplant are aimed at improving the quality and quantity of livestock in the region.

“We have signed a contract with a private company from Barbados, from Brazil, and they are now doing almost 300 animals will do artificial embryo transplant.”

Aquaculture is another area receiving significant attention, with projects like the brackish water shrimp industry generating substantial income for farmers. “Last year, the farmers in Region Six, they earned almost $1.8 billion in the brackish shrimp water industry,” the minister noted. The Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts span a wide range of activities aimed at the holistic development of the sector.