Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud Friday met with farmers from Leguan, Region Three, to discuss matters related to improving farming conditions on the island.
Drainage and irrigation was highlighted as the major concern among farmers and emphasis was focused on finding a possible solution to the benefit of everyone.
Minster Persaud said that the solution should not only focus on the short-term but also in the long-run. He explained that while much emphasis is on drainage, irrigation should also be taken seriously, taking into consideration the changing weather pattern.
With the new conservancy dam, Minister Persaud looked at the possibility of 90% of the farmers benefitting from irrigation.
Minster Persaud believed that many positives could come out of the island and that residents deserve better conditions.
After receiving inputs from farmers, Minster Persaud said that within two weeks the ministry would review the drainage and irrigation system and come up with a better solution.
Other issues brought up by the farmers were the pricing of the paddy set by millers and the increase of land rental. Minster Persaud reiterated that Government cannot fix the price for paddy but will be monitoring the situation.
At a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Persaud suggested that three representatives from both the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the millers meet on a fortnightly basis, along with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), to share information and examine the trend.
With regards to land rental, Minister Persaud urged farmers not to pay the hike unless it has been awarded by the Rice Assessment Committee. He believes that with the current challenges facing the farmers, it is unfair and unjust to raise the rent.
While having discussions on improving farming conditions, Minister Persaud again encouraged farmers to diversify. He said that demand for agricultural commodities are very volatile and that farmers should not be dependent on one product.
We are most grateful that Guyana doesn’t have much weather patterns when concerning our crops. In making sure that we don't face the consequences of such acts the President still continues to lobby against climate change and deforestation...
ReplyDeleteOur Agriculture sector has seen massive development; our production level has increased also our consumption level. Exports of all agri products have risen to a large sum...
ReplyDeleteDrainage and irrigation have been allocated money from the national budget to further assist in the improvement in this sector