The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) says it has been working round-the-clock to tackle the recent paddy bug infestation in Region Two, contrary to media reports of GRDB’s non-involvement.
“We have been working assiduously to ensure that the issue of paddy bug doesn’t get out of control and for the media to say we have not been working with farmers is absurd. In fact, intense visits by the extension staff and meetings with farmers to advise them on the correct methodologies in controlling the bug were also done, “Agriculture Minister Noel Holder was quoted as saying, in a GINA press release.
The statement came in the wake of a complaint yesterday by Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman Davanand Ramdatt that nothing was being done. (See letter on page six.)
Outreach meetings were held between the 26th July and 9th August in a dozen villages including Johanna Cecilia, Perseverance, Queenstown, Affiance, Spring Garden and Hampton Court, the release stated. An advisory was also placed on the local television station, the week of the 29th of July.
“During the meetings, the importance of regular monitoring of fields especially when the crop is in flowering, grain filling and ripening stage were discussed, “ the Minister was further quoted by GINA as saying. Other topics discussed included the mixing and the timing of the application of recommended chemicals such as Pronto, Flip and Ninja, and the removal of alternative food sources such as birdseed grass and drop seed rice.
GRDB Extension Officers can be contacted for further technical assistance at the following offices:
Anna Regina: 592 771 4158 Burma Rice Research Station: 592 232 1395/1020
Crane: 592 254 0355 #56 Sub-Office: 592 682 2294
