THE Barabina Hill Agro-Processing Facility in Region One has received a major boost with the delivery of a commercial blender, fulfilling a commitment made by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
The equipment was handed over on Saturday to Chairperson of Barabina Hill, Andre Prince, just days after he requested the item during an interactive engagement between Minister Mustapha, Toshaos and other village leaders at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The agro-processing facility, which was constructed by residents of Barabina Hill, was previously equipped through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) Programme, with the machinery needed to begin agro-processing activities.
The facility is expected to play a significant role in adding value to agricultural produce from the community, with pepper sauce earmarked as its first product.
During the handing-over ceremony, Minister Mustapha said the commercial blender forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the facility is fully equipped and operational.
He also announced that additional works and equipment will be provided to strengthen the facility, including the construction of washroom facilities and the provision of other inputs needed to improve its functionality.
Chairperson Prince welcomed the swift fulfilment of the commitment, expressing gratitude to the minister and the government for their continued investment in agriculture and hinterland development.
“I am very thankful for this blender for our processing plant. I thank Minister Mustapha for the fruitful engagement during the NTC Conference, and for all the commitments made for agricultural production,” Prince said.
He also thanked President Dr, Irfaan Ali for what he described as the administration’s sustained focus on agriculture and national development.
“I also want to thank our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, for all the work he continues to put in towards developing this country, and for his passion for agriculture, which we see on display every day across the length and breadth of this country,” Prince added.
According to Prince, the community is now preparing to begin producing pepper sauce as its first commercial product.
Minister Mustapha said officers from the Ministry of Agriculture will soon visit the community to provide training on the proper use and operation of the equipment, ensuring residents are equipped with the necessary skills before production begins.
The initiative forms part of the government’s wider programme to strengthen agriculture in hinterland communities by supporting agro-processing, creating value-added products and expanding economic opportunities for Indigenous villages.
