– to look at other interventions to assure food security
FARMERS of Moruca, an Amerindian village located in the North West District in Region One, were given the opportunity to interact with Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud and Director of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) Dr. Oudho Homenauth, at a farmers’ meeting yesterday.
The interactive session, held at the Kumaka Agriculture Extension Centre, dealt with issues such as access to market, vaccination of broiler chicks and the need for more drainage and irrigation tools. Requests were also made for the planting of turmeric, rice and assistance with aquaculture.
Minister Persaud told residents the visit was to look at additional interventions and support that can be given to the community to ensure food security is sustained.
“For us, hinterland food security is of primary concern and in all of our programmes, we are aiming to improve food security…”
He continued:  “…we are also looking at how it is we can support you our farmers in becoming much more competitive, so that your farming activities can expand.”
Region One has, over the years, been receiving much attention from Government through a collaborative effort by the Ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs. The sustainable livelihood programme is also another means of developing agricultural activities on a commercial basis.
Farmers have been receiving significant attention with the distribution of spray pumps, planting materials, acoushi ants bait and chemicals, and interventions such as the provision of livestock (genetic) support.
Minister Persaud said efforts are also being made to develop new crops that can withstand ‘perishability’, since the shelf life of crops have been a major issue, as it relates to transport of produce for market purposes.
Turmeric, ginger, nutmeg and black pepper are the targeted new crops and are currently in high demand.
“If we can develop these in a large scale, because you can have turmeric 4-5 months and it will not damage and because of your geographical location, it would require you moving from one location, it can withstand that kind of rigour,” the Minister posited.
Support will also be given as it relates to processing, since it can help to create another industry.
The issue of extension services is also high on the Ministry’s agenda and, according to the subject Minister, it is important. Two additional extension staff will be added to complement to two others currently servicing the area.
An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), boat and engine were made available to facilitate the extension officers’ visits to riverine areas.
Minister Persaud indicated that Government has expended approximately $1.5M over the last months, to ramp-up the capability of services offered to farmers. He said training of farmers will also be given in this regard since the Ministry cannot afford to have an officer stationed in each village.
He said sound-agriculture enterprises will also be developed to deal effectively with handling and marketing of produce, noting that: “We don’t want you to forever remain as farmers, but to be agriculture entrepreneur, so that you can manage your business. We need you to work with us to do this as a partnership.”
In developing the livestock sector in the area, a vet is currently stationed in the area to give support to farmers at it relates to proper husbandry.
The Agriculture Minister also came in for high support from farmers as it relates to the support given by his Ministry in the livestock sector, noting that it will succeed in attaining food security, to supply the Caribbean and beyond.
Minister Persaud also committed to deploying an excavator to the areas to assist in digging ponds for Aquaculture purposes.