MEMBERS of the Buxton/Friendship Grantee Co-operative and Cane Farmers Society have been able to sell their first crop of 4,000 pounds of pumpkins with help from the Agriculture Ministry’s farmers assistance programme.
The ministry said it organised the sale of the pumpkins to a purchaser in Bourda Market, Georgetown.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who was on hand to witness the purchase agreement Monday, said the government has been substantially supporting farmers in the area with infrastructure but noted they also need entrepreneurial help.
The government has fixed major drainage and irrigation canals, constructed revetment and bridges and cleared farmlands in Buxton and Friendship.
The Agriculture Ministry recently completed eight drainage projects at a cost of about $115M. These included fixing the Buxton pump basin, constructing revetment along the Buxton Company canal and excavation works within Buxton and Friendship.
Mr. Persaud pointed out that although large plots are under cultivation, the market demands consistency and quality and farmers need help to find buyers.
He also said they need training in handling produce to cut production loss.
Mr. Leroy Hamer, Chairman of the co-op society, said their group initiative stemmed from the ministry’s farmers assistance programme which helped farmers return to the land and promote agriculture.
“This is not only for self gains but the country as a whole; however, we would need the continuous support of the government and also the private sector should come on board as well,” he added.
Referring to additional drainage works to be done, Hamer committed on behalf of the group to ensure that all drainage and irrigation structures are maintained.
Persaud said works have already started with excavators in the backlands.
“We will do the internal drainage. We have already started works with the excavators, but ultimately we have to build the sluice that will completely deal with the problems,” he said.
He stressed that maintenance is a major component and people in the areas are expected to get involved.
He also emphasised that no one will be paid until a conformation letter is had from farmers that the works are up to standard.
The minister said the government fully supports the initiative by the society.