Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and a team met with farmers of Buxton/Friendship on Tuesday to discuss the ministry’s plans to revitalise large-scale farming in the area by undertaking drainage and irrigation and road works.
Persaud, along with Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette, Neigh-bourhood Democratic Coun-cil Chairman Randolph Blair and other officials from the ministry engaged cane, non-traditional and livestock farmers at Buxton and nearby villages at the Buxton Market.
The ministry is involved in land-clearing projects in Buxton/Friendship communities which will enable farmers to return to the land, a Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) press release said.
Because the lands have been abandoned for years and the area does not have a proper drainage system, it is prone to flooding and as such the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened seven contracts for major drainage works. The contracts will see the expediting of mechanical excavation of drainage canals in Friendship at east sideline at a cost of $9.1M; west sideline at a cost of $9.1M; and middle walk canal at a cost of $8.8M.
Plans are also in train to excavate canals in Buxton at east sideline at a cost of $9.1M, the west sideline drainage canal, at a cost of $8.8M and middle walk canal to the tune of $9.1M. In addition the revetment within the Buxton pump basin will be built at an approximate cost of $4M.
During interactions farmers said the clearing of canals is necessary. One cane farmer noted that he was forced to abandon his crop because the clogged canal made it difficult for the punt to traverse the area. Persaud also highlighted several other infrastructure works being expedited in the Buxton/ Friendship area including the construction of Abrams/Watson Street, Friendship and Middle Road, Buxton.
Farmers noted that they are pleased with the construction of the roads but some suggested that livestock farmers are indiscrete. They complained that roving cattle are ravaging their crops and pigs are destroying newly built roads. In response, Persaud suggested that crop farmers submit a proposal to the ministry with the cost to fence and gate the farmlands. He noted too the Pounds Act has been amended and that errant livestock farmers should pay heed.
Additionally, Blair said he has been proactive on the issue but the livestock farmers are not complying. “They refuse to attend meetings and continue to have their pigs and cattle roam the area,” he said.
A farmer also said a few weeks ago the area was flooded and livestock farmers released their pigs onto the road, adding that since the Great Flood of 2005 farmers should have learnt to build pens for animals above ground.
Persaud agreed with Blair and further advised that persons should build their homes at least three feet above ground, adding that persons need to start adapting to the effects of climate change. He then encouraged farmers to participate in the ministry’s Agriculture Diversification Programme as they need to take a collective approach to enhance agriculture in the communities.
According to GINA government is working on building the human resources capacity in Buxton and as such youths from the community were given scholarships to the Guyana School of Agriculture.
At the end of the scholarship, Persaud will return to the community to assist farmers in new techniques in order to help develop the sector. Also, the ministry has purchased a number of safety clothing and first aid kits for the drainage and irrigation workers in the community who are employed on a part-time basis at the ministry. The ministry has also distributed knapsack sprayers and seeds to the farmers.
