In a concerted effort to advance agriculture within the Amerindian communities, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), provided residents of Akawini, in the Lower Pomeroon, with Brazilian dwarf coconut plants, as well as ginger and citrus plants.
The farmers also received two tillers to aid in their agricultural endeavours. The distribution took place at School Island in Akawini, where the Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams, handed over the plants and equipment on behalf of the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Madanlall Ramraj.

Two weeks prior, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, visited the community and met with residents. During the meetings, residents requested seeds, plants, and agricultural equipment.
In response to their concerns, the Director General assured residents that the Government of Guyana would continue to support the community. He promised that their requests would be fulfilled within two weeks and encouraged them to diversify and expand their agricultural activities.

Adams informed the residents that NAREI field officers would make regular visits to assist. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the people in the Pomeroon River area.
Chris Richards, a resident of School Island, expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, for their prompt actions.
“We want to continue to grow, and this is a plus for our community. This will assist us and help us become self-sufficient. We are so happy for this,” Richards said.

The Brazilian green dwarf coconut plants, with an estimated output of 240 coconuts per tree—an increase from the previous 160—promise a significant boost in harvests for farmers.
Additionally, the new variety’s capacity to produce up to 750 ml of water per tree, compared to the previous 300 ml, offers further revenue opportunities through coconut by-products such as water, oil, and copra.
In June, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha handed over 3,000 high-yield Brazilian green dwarf coconut plants to over 120 coconut farmers in the Pomeroon River. This initiative aimed to revitalise the coconut industry in the Pomeroon River area.
The distribution of agricultural inputs and planting materials reflects the government’s dedication to fostering agricultural growth and bolstering rural incomes.