–providing vital hub for farmers to access more quality planting materials

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

A PLANT nursery in Plegt Anker Village, East Bank Berbice, is flourishing and making a significant impact on local agriculture, thanks to targeted investment and collaborative support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The facility is rapidly becoming a vital hub for farmers across the East Bank Berbice corridor, improving access to quality planting materials.
Launched in 2024, the nursery was the brainchild of 46-year-old farmer, Jimmy Smith, who saw the need to address a persistent challenge in his community.

“Usually, people on this East Bank would have to leave and go till over the river to get seedlings,” Smith said, noting: “So, the option came up for us to get funding, and I came up with this idea because it would be a relief for farmers here.”
Smith received support from multiple agencies to bring his idea to life. The Ministry of Agriculture provided critical infrastructural materials such as plastic sheeting and shade netting, while the UNDP contributed funding for other construction needs, trays, and startup supplies.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) further supported the project by delivering technical training, equipping Smith with the knowledge to run a successful and sustainable nursery.
Production at the nursery began on January 20, 2025. Since then, it has grown into a thriving operation, cultivating a wide range of crops including tomatoes, celery, lettuce, hot pepper, sweet pepper, lemon, and sweet corn.

The first batch of 200 trays of seedlings was distributed free of charge to local farmers, many of whom have limited access to such resources. Subsequent trays are now being sold at affordable, reduced prices.
The nursery’s success has not gone unnoticed. While on a recent visit to the facility, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, praised Smith’s initiative and the broader effort to empower rural farmers.

“This nursery is a model for community-led agriculture,” Minister Mustapha said, adding: “It reflects the positive impact of targeted support and partnerships with farmers across the country. Through initiatives like the land clearing programme and the establishment of

these nurseries, we’re empowering farmers to boost production and enhance their livelihoods.”
Minister Mustapha also highlighted the broader role such projects play in the ministry’s strategic push to achieve food security and build climate-resilient farming systems across Guyana.

During his visit to Berbice, Minister Mustapha committed to providing further assistance to enhance the facility’s operations, including the delivery of a water tank, a tiller, and small farming tools.
These additions will improve irrigation and land preparation capabilities, allowing Smith to expand his cultivation and maintain consistency in seedling supply.

Local farmers have praised the nursery for dramatically reducing the time and cost involved in sourcing seedlings, allowing them to plant more efficiently and reliably.
The nursery has also become a focal point for community collaboration, with farmers exchanging advice, techniques, and even pooling resources for larger-scale projects.
With growing demand and strong institutional backing, the Plegt Anker nursery stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and grassroots innovation in strengthening Guyana’s agricultural future.