The Ministry of Agriculture has budgeted over $30M for wide-scale spraying to combat acoushi ants in hinterland and coastal areas.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud on Wednesday signed a contract with Rid-O-Pest for the spraying, which is to begin in two weeks in regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, along with other coastal communities that are affected by the problem, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Spraying is to begin in the Upper Mazaruni, Region 7. Timothy Tucker, Managing Director of Rid-O-Pest, said that the company is ready and assured that spraying will begin in 14 days.
Persaud said that although this was a new initiative, several tests have been conducted by the ministry to determine the impact the chemical will have on the environment, as well as the ants. The chemical has proven to be environmentally friendly, he noted.
Although traditionally the Ministry of Agriculture would collaborate with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to distribute pesticides to affected areas, Persaud thought it to be more effective to introduce this new project, fashioned from the malaria control programme, which promises to cover a wider area and treat the problem for a longer period of time.
Crops such as red peas, turmeric, carrots, potatoes and onions will also be introduced and re-introduced as a result of this activity, which is expected to assist in other expanded agriculture projects, GINA said.
