The Kuru Kururu Farmers Association (KKFA) is embarking on an apiary and orchard project aimed at boosting the livelihood of the community.
The project seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of communities with assistance from the government, the private sector National Working Group (NWG) programme, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United Nations Development Pro-gramme (UNDP) which will assist in attaining UNDP’s Millennium Development Goals.
The Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) said in a press release that the programme aims at fostering national partnerships and promoting sustainable development-type businesses through broad collaboration. Stake-holders are expected to identify sustainable projects and matching resources. The project was launched at the Kuru Kururu Extension Centre on Sunday.
NWG Chairman Major General (retired) Joe Singh said that projects of this nature are “very important instruments for developing the kind of working relationships which help people to move themselves forward… we have to be able to guide, mentor and council the young people… so that they see themselves as patriotic Guyanese who are responsible for the forward movement of this country.” He urged participants to adhere to the benchmark to continuously produce quality honey as the NWG will be working to link the producers to markets.
Supporters of the programme would be looking to see that their contributions are used wisely for the enhancement of livelihoods and the achievements of the MDGs. “It must have a multiplying effect and help in the socialization of Kuru Kururu, it must stimulate interest of young people, be part of the education process and whereby people can come see what honey production is all about,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Dr Kiari Liman-Tinguiri said the project demonstrates “a needed vision of collaboration if Guyana is to meet it development targets… and the UNDP remains committed to supporting such innovative approaches to solutions.” Additionally, IICA Representative Ignatius Jean noted that his organisation is pleased to be a part of this programme which is a practical way to help the community diversify its economic activities and improve its social development.
According to GINA Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira urged producers to focus on the local market before they decide to enter the international market.
She noted that this will help them to develop their product and to brand it as their own, while meeting local needs. GINA said too the Kuru Kururu village produces citrus fruits and ground provision mainly and it is thought that the apiary programme will greatly complement citrus production.
