HUNDREDS of farmers across Region Nine are already benefiting from agricultural support programmes implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture following commitments made during a ministerial outreach to the region last month, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.
The interventions, which include the distribution of poultry, beehives, agricultural inputs, planting materials and livestock support, are aimed at strengthening food production, improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities in hinterland communities.
Among the major initiatives undertaken so far is the distribution of 2,000 Black Giant birds to 80 farmers across several villages. Farmers from Marcanata received 160 birds, Potaranau received 400, St. Ignatius received 440, Tabatinga received 800, and Hiawa received 200 birds.
Minister Mustapha said the Black Giant Programme, implemented through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, has expanded significantly over the past five years as part of efforts to make hinterland communities more self-sufficient in poultry production.
He explained that the initiative not only strengthens food security but also creates opportunities for families to generate income and contribute to the growth of village economies.
The ministry has also continued efforts to promote apiculture in the region. Farmers and community groups from Nappi received beehives and related support to expand honey production. Members of the Nabbee group were provided with 15 beehives and 200 coffee plants to diversify their agricultural activities and increase income-generating opportunities.
In St. Ignatius, beekeeper Rolston Usher received replacement hives after 12 of his beehives were washed away during adverse weather conditions, helping him restore his operations.
Crop farmers have also benefited from targeted interventions. In Moco Moco, residents received agricultural inputs to assist with land preparation as well as rice seeds to cultivate five acres of rice.
Meanwhile, the Bina Hill Institute and the Aranaputa Women’s Group received shade-house netting, plastic and other materials to support agricultural training and food production activities.
Cassava farmers in Quari and St. Ignatius were supplied with cassava planting materials to increase production, while farmers in Sawariwau received 40 bags of fertiliser to boost crop yields. Pasture seeds were also distributed to several villages to improve grazing areas and support livestock development.
According to Minister Mustapha, the interventions reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that agricultural resources and services reach communities across the country, including those in remote hinterland regions.
“When we visit these villages and communities, and farmers raise issues and commitments are made, we have an obligation to deliver,” the minister said.
He added that the government remains focused on implementing short-, medium- and long-term solutions aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development in communities nationwide.
The latest interventions come as the government continues to invest heavily in agriculture as a key pillar of national development, with particular emphasis on increasing production, improving food security and creating greater economic opportunities in hinterland and rural communities.
