BRIGHT smiles were seen on the faces of cash crop farmers in Region Two as Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, handed over $7 million worth of agricultural inputs on Wednesday.

The minister and his entourage which included Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, Chief Executive Officer of NARIE, Jagnarine Singh and the ministry’s regional officials, conducted the distribution and also met with the farmers.

The handover took place at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) bond in Anna Regina and saw over 47 farmers receiving equipment such as land tillers, water pumps, mist blowers, and threshers.

The beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude for the assistance.

Ganesh Lall from Walton Hall, who received a water pump, cultivates two large plots and noted that the piece of equipment would be extremely helpful.

Andrew Rampadarath, another beneficiary, received a mist blower and mentioned that he couldn’t have afforded it on his own and was very happy with the support.

Meanwhile, Charan Persaud of Exmouth recalled that he had requested the equipment during one of the minister’s visit and was pleased to see his request fulfilled.

Nandranie Singh echoed similar sentiments, adding that she was appreciative of the field officers’ frequent visits to her farm.

Chaitram Kitraree, another recipient, said the equipment would greatly assist her farming operations, which were essential for sustaining her livelihood. She expressed her thanks to Minister Zulfikar for the support.

During his address to the farmers, the minister highlighted the value of the equipment, stating that it totalled approximately $7 million.

He emphasised that small equipment such as pumps, tillers, and mist blowers would significantly aid cash crop farmers.

“We hope this intervention will increase your production and productivity because you are very important to the country’s development,” said Minister Zulfikar.

He added that while the ministry is investing in infrastructure, it is equally important to invest in equipment that enhances farmers’ livelihoods.

“We are increasing production in traditional crops while diversifying into new sectors and forms of production. As a country, we are producing 60 per cent of the food we consume,” Zulfikar concluded.