Dear Editor,
Since May 24, 2012, a letter explaining my predicament in relation to an infestation in vegetable crops was published in this newspaper under the caption ‘Mystery soil disease unidentified by Agriculture ministry destroying plants in Region 2 farm.’
The problem which is very detrimental to me is not being taken seriously, considering that up to now there has been no response from anyone within the ministry’s head office or even at the Anna Regina Department in the district. The failure of the Ministry of Agriculture to provide me with technical assistance which is so important in promoting the ‘Grow More’ campaign which I have supported from the inception is not only unacceptable but also baffling. There is no need to hide anything from the results of two soil tests conducted by the ministry which are still awaited, be they good or bad, because once the true position is known, it will certainly bring some relief to my frustration.
From the silent stance taken by the ministry, it is still not known whether this problem could be solved within the country or whether overseas help would be necessary.
Whatever the case may be, urgent help is necessary and would be appreciated from any private source, to combat an unknown parasite in the soil ‘eating out’ the ‘bark’ of grown up plants which ultimately succumb. Please contact 774-4278.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
Editor’s note
A copy of Mr Persaud’s previous letter published on May 24 was sent to Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy for any comment he might wish to make, but there was no response.
