Bebi Shafeah Oosman

THE East Bank of Berbice is set to undergo further transformation as the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will be investing an additional $500 million into the sector over the next three months to boost agricultural development in the area.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha made the announcement during a series of community engagements on Saturday in the area, where he outlined the government’s plans to continue the momentum of agricultural revitalisation. According to Minister Mustapha, the funds will be used to execute critical drainage and land-clearing projects, which are essential to improving cultivation conditions, and mitigating the persistent risks of flooding there.

Approximately 250 farmers are expected to benefit directly from the projects. Highlighting the significant efforts made over the past four years, Minister Mustapha noted that the East Bank of Berbice has received more per capita investment than any other area in the country. He emphasised that this focused approach is intended to restore the East Bank to its once-prominent position as one of Guyana’s most productive agricultural areas.

“We have done a lot of work already, but there’s still much more to be done,” Mustapha told residents in Plegt Anker. He outlined the government’s strategy, which includes placing several canals under a maintenance programme to ensure sustainability. Notably, farmers will be awarded contracts to maintain the canals they benefit from, thereby promoting community responsibility and upkeep.

Addressing concerns about project execution, Minister Mustapha revealed that some contractors had been found delivering substandard work under the five-acre land distribution initiative. He instructed that these works be overhauled before any payments are made.

Additionally, the minister criticised the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for underperformance, particularly in servicing cattle farmers. He stressed the need for accountability, and warned against “drawing money under false pretence”.

Meanwhile, major works are expected to commence shortly in several villages, including Sisters, Brothers, Friends, Providence, Enfield and other areas along the East Bank Berbice corridor. Within two weeks, residents will see a new round of drainage canal projects being rolled out.

According to the Agriculture Minister, a local committee will be established to work alongside technical officers to ensure that resources are allocated fairly and efficiently. Further expansion of the Black Belly Sheep programme is also on the horizon, with plans to extend the initiative into Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), se as to help boost livestock farming, he told farmers in PlegtAnker.

To aid land preparation and internal drainage works, a mini excavator will be made available to the community next week as well. Additionally, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has been tasked with identifying new markets for farmers’ produce, further supporting agricultural development. Minister Mustapha concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to consistent investment in agriculture across the country.

“When you look at what is happening now in our country, in all the areas, we have seen an increase; in the agriculture sector, we have seen massive expenditure, and that will continue,” he stated.