-Minister Persaud tells farmer and enhancement workers
AS part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s continuous meetings to areas where there is active community enhancement, Minister of
Agriculture Robert Persaud, Regional Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo and General Manager of the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary- Agricultural/Development/Association (MMA/ADA)Aubrey Charles yesterday met with community workers, residents and rice, cash crop and livestock farmers.
The meeting which attracted scores of persons from Calcutta and surrounding communities was convened at the Calcutta Primary/Nursery School, Region Five.
During the highly interactive meeting, issues such as the wanton throwing of garbage in drains by residents, the koker at sideline dam to be cleared, saltwater intrusion affecting cash crops, electricity for some residents of Calcutta, and assistance with aquaculture.
Minister Persaud, in his address, pointed out that the meeting is intended to update workers on their responsibilities during the La Nina weather phenomenon and address critical drainage issues during the period.
He noted that workers are expected to perform additional work to complement work currently being done by the Region and Central Government.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the MMA/ADA, which currently have direct responsibility for Region Five community enhancement, since August 2010, have been embarking on several emergency D&I work.
These include the excavation of outfall channels at Lima, Perth, Biaboo, Andrews, Anna Regina, Three Friends and La Union.

Meanwhile, at Somerset and Berks, work is ongoing.
The Agriculture Minister stated that notwithstanding the many interventions, much still remains to be done so as to tackle the effects of La Nina.
He stated that to date, progress has been recorded following significant investments by Government. This has seen over 90 percent of MMA /ADA areas cultivated, compared to the previous 30 percent, despite the unpredictable weather pattern.
“So when you use to get six inches (of rain) over six days, you are getting that in one day; and with our drainage system built for two inches per day, what it tells us is that if we do not get things working as it should, it can lead to severe consequences,” he said.
Region Five, which is known for its large-scale cultivation of rice and cattle rearing, is a main contributor to the country’s food production and agricultural development.
Minister Persaud said that there should be a collective approach in dealing with La Nina to ensure that key drainage structures remain functional. To complement this work, the Ministry has hired an additional 133 enhancement workers; and to date, there are 248 workers in Region Five.
The Ministry of Agriculture is looking at ways to further improve the conditions of workers such as the provision of rakes, raincoats, cutlasses, first-aid kits and long boots. Training in emergency first-aid will also be given to foremen and women in cases of emergencies.
Charles said that $5M has been allocated by the government to carry out drainage works, monitor water farmers receive and to pay staff. He noted that in the Abary Berbice/ Mahaicony area, in excess of $150M will be spent on work commencing December 31 to rehabilitate drainage structures and construct bridges.
“Eighty-seven million will also be spent to reconstruct bridges in the areas, while $130M will be spent in the Mahaica/Mahaicony area for constructing additional sluices and bridges, making a link to access dams,” he added.

Minister Persaud added that rates collection still remains a big issue for government and, called on residents to pay their dues, so that development can take place. (GINA)