Dear Editor,
In response to Mr. Balkarran’s misleading letter `Peasant cane farmers in Demerara want same benefits as those in Berbice’ in the Stabroek News of April 20th 2015, please be informed that all private cane farmers in Guyana are treated alike and at the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo), through its Cane Farming Officers, they are all similarly entitled to the extension services.
Recently, new farmers at Blairmont Estate showed an interest in doing private cane farming from a recent advertisement in the local papers. It is interesting to note that most of these new farmers come from the Estate’s workforce and are being encouraged by GuySuCo to get organised into effective groups. It is part of GuySuCo’s Strategic Plan.
The very Belle Vue Co-op Society was formed with Wales Estate lands leased to them. Today these farmers are presently engaged in good cane farming practices and supplying canes to Wales Estate.
The National Cane Farmers Committee (NCFC) also has a financial assistance programme in the form of a revolving fund, whereby small farmers (almost all in Demerara) have and continue to benefit from small loans at zero interest.
The larger-scale farmers would approach banks (of their choice) and seek funding at the respective bank(s) terms and conditions.
GuySuCo has been granting concessions for short periods to farmers who are in need. At present there is a review of the cane punt charges with the view to reducing same for all farmers who are using the Estate’s cane punts. It is not that the manner of computation is wrong but that it is being considered as a relief and encouragement for private cane farming.
The following procedures have been implemented and are active
Farmer(s) are the Chairman of the Estate’s cane farmers committees and the NCFC and done by election by the farmers.
Farmers’ canes are Brix-sampled prior to harvesting.
Transparency exists at all factory laboratories whereby farmers are allowed to witness their cane analysis to determine sugar content and done by GuySuCo workers who are also farmers’ relatives.
Cane scales are tested weekly and farmers’ representatives are requested to attend and witness same.
GuySuCo and the Government have long since recognised the importance of private cane farmers and have been involving them at all forums from time to time in the decision making process for the growth and development of private cane farming in Guyana.
It is most unfair to say otherwise and apportion blame on GuySuCo & the Govt., especially at this time. I do not believe Mr. Balkarran is an attention seeker every time he visits Guyana or canvassing for any political party but if he needs more information he can make an appointment at my office.
Yours faithfully,
Walter Persaud
National Cane
Farmers Committee
