Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud assured farmers at Moblissa that efforts are being made to settle outstanding issues regarding access to land for cultivation.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Persaud visited the area to commission a $40M water project for farming and domestic use. Residents used the occasion to highlight the problem of land leases, stemming from the Livestock Development Company (LIDCO) occupation of the area from 1975 to 2001 while the Moblissa Dairy Complex was in operation. The company’s holdings restricted access to some extent, particularly to livestock farmers but according to Persaud discussions have been held with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to resolve the problem.
Persaud said “our agencies will continue to work with the farmers in ensuring that the right decisions are made as we move forward.” He also urged the farmers to engage in practices conducive to the available soil.
Recently, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation hosted discussions on promoting better marketing through post-harvest activities in the community. Though Persaud commended farmers for adopting this method he noted that there is room for more collaboration.
According to GINA Moblissa was once the most developed community in dairy farming, milk production, processing and marketing. The Moblissa Dairy Complex had utilised about 7,334 acres (2968 hectares) of land for this purpose.
