Questioned by Opposition MP…
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud disclosed, Tuesday evening, that the 2011 budgetary allocations provide for preparatory   work that will see Guyana better positioned to advance with bio-energy as a new sector. “We are laying the foundation of a sector coming on stream,” he told the National Assembly, during debate on the National   Budget, when he offered clarification on the $9.1 billion allotted for undertakings under his portfolio.
People’s National Congress Reform – One Guyana (PNCR-1G) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Mervyn Williams had questioned what   the end result of the investment was and the development of jatropha (physic nut) as a source of bio-fuel.
The Opposition Parliamentarian also wanted to know if the process was discontinued because it would have to be based in   Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), a PNCR stronghold.
Persaud rejected that suggestion and stated, emphatically, that developing bio-energy, not just from jatropha, would,   largely, depend on private investors Guyana expects to attract and has nothing to do with the fact that the fruit grows   well in the soil conditions of Region 10.
More importantly, he said cultivating jatropha was not, aggressively, pursued, as a recent study has shown that it is an   invasive species that may affect other forms of vegetation.
The survey was conducted by a United Nations (UN) agency and formed the basis on which several countries proceeded with   caution as it relates to planting jatropha, which could adversely impact on other species. It is considered invasive in   Australia, South Africa,The United States, Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico.
“It was based on the results of the study that we stepped back very quickly,” Persaud informed.
Williams then queried the current administration’s priorities, as regards developing agro-energy and Persaud said,   presently. Guyana is pursuing the production of ethanol from sugar cane and bio-diesel from palm oil.
The Minister also addressed what he called misconceptions stated by Opposition MPs.
During discussion of the estimates, issues raised included employment of contract workers, increases in particular   expenditures over last year, scholarships, the capacity of the existing skills sets, the need for project profiles and   efficiency.
More support
Williams asked about the increased number of contract workers and Persaud answered that it was the result of having more   support staff for agencies such as the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).
Persaud said the ministry gave its employees a choice and respected theirs.
About greater maintenance costs, Persaud explained that it had to do with new structures and acquisition of more vehicles,   in light of the expanded services in the agriculture sector, which is also the reason for higher security costs, for   example at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, where there is more equipment, among other things, for the aquaculture   thrust.
The beneficiaries of scholarships, a line item in the budget, was also cause for some contention and Persaud said the   monies will be expended on internal training and for advancing staff development.
He said the push to enhance skills will include training offered to farmers and other sector stakeholders, towards   improving their knowledge base.
Persaud said that the allocation for additional senior technical staff is to fill a void in areas such as animal biology   and data management.
Williams asked about the existence of a needed specialist marine biologist and Persaud said that skill is not widely   available and the ministry is, currently, sourcing it.
The PNCR-1G MP wanted to know the human resource capacity in the sector, to which Persaud said additional skills were   brought into the sector to augment it and to bolster the competitive edge needed by Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Williams placed emphasis on equipment acquisition and called on Persaud to disclose what area would attract the most   resources.
The latter pointed out that Guyana is getting assistance from the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre   (CCCCC) to establish a network of automatic weather stations.
Approximately 30 automatic weather stations are needed but Persaud said only a limited number could be procured this year.
He indicated that ongoing consultations will inform the number of automatic weather stations acquired.
According to him, the stations will provide real time data and allow for monitoring of rainfall in the intermediate   savannahs, important information for prospective investors.
Williams enquired about the procurement of excavators and Persaud said only one will be purchased this year, adding to the   existing fleet of 38.
The minister added that, at any one time, there is at least one excavator in each administrative region and, depending on   the exigency of the situation, others are deployed to relieve residents and improve drainage and irrigation (D&I).
Persaud explained the differences between the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary 2 (MMA   2).
Different activities
“These are two very different activities,” he stressed.
Persaud said MMA 2 gives relief to the MMA region while the EDWC addresses the needs of the residents on the East Coast   Demerara and as far as Georgetown.
Williams pressed on with questions about the Conservancy Adaptation Project and its efficient management and Persaud said   it is necessary to understand the EDWC and garner critical data to help in the execution of civil woks.
He said staffers of the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority   (NDIA) are engaged in that project, assisted by external consultants from the United Kingdom (UK) and the World Bank.
The PNCR-1G MP sought to be informed about the construction of new seed facilities and Persaud replied that the first ones   were given away by the previous administration and the new ones, at Number 56 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Burma, East   Coast Demerara will improve the provision of supplies for farmers.
In conclusion, Persaud maintained that, with the 2011 allocations, the sector is now in a position to further extend its   services to farmers, rural farming communities and other stakeholders.