Farmers of the Buxton/ Friendship Grantee Co-op on Monday secured their first market of 4000 lbs of pumpkin to a purchaser at Bourda Market, the Government Information Agency (GINA reported.
Leroy Hamer, Chairman of the Buxton/Friendship Grantee Co-op and Cane Farmers Society, said that the initiative is a group one which springs from the farmers assistance programme aided by government’s drive to promote agriculture.
According to GINA, Hamer said it is not to only promote self-sufficiency, but to also aid the community and the country as a whole.
“This is not only for self gains but the country as a whole; however, we would need the continuous support of government and also the private sector should come on board as well,” he said.
Hamer, while commenting on additional drainage works to be embarked upon, committed on behalf of the group to ensure that all drainage and irrigation structures will be maintained.
The Agriculture Ministry recently completed eight drainage projects to the value of approximately $115M. These included the rehabilitation of the Buxton pump basin, construction of the revetment along the Buxton Company canal, and excavation works within Buxton and Friendship.
Other works included the mechanical cleaning of the Buxton Company canal from CNC to Pond Dam Bridge, provision of all tools, equipment and labour for the mechanical excavation of the Buxton and Friendship canals, rehabilitation of the 400 rods on Crown Dam between Strathspey and La Reconnaissance, rehabilitation of four intake structures and rehabilitation of Buxton sluice doors.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who was on hand to witness the purchase agreement for the pumpkins said that government has been giving farmers in the area a lot of support in terms of infrastructure; but entrepreneurial support also plays a major part.
The government has been conducting a significant amount of work in the area, including rehabilitation of major drainage and irrigation canals, construction of revetment and bridges and a total land clearing exercise.
Persaud pointed out that although large segments are under cultivation, consistency and quality are necessary to secure the requisite market for buyers.
He also referred to the necessity for training in terms of handling, underlining its importance since if not carried out correctly, this will result in production loss.
And addressing a concern over drainage, Persaud said that works have already started with excavators in the backlands.
“We will do the internal drainage. We have already started works with the excavators; but ultimately we have to build the sluice that will completely deal with the problems,” he said.
Works are currently being embarked on to have additional interventions completed and according to the agriculture minister maintenance is a major component and people in the areas are expected to get involved.
On the issue of verification of works completed, Persaud emphasised that no one will be paid until a confirmation letter is had from farmers that works are up-to-standard.