Guyana is expected to receive three additional mobile pumps by late October to aid with its drainage capabilities ahead of the next rainy season.
This was disclosed by India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, during a courtesy call to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha at his Regent Street office earlier yesterday.
“The pumps, I believe they will be used for irrigation, should be here by October. They have already left India. As it is now, we have some specialists that are expected to come to Guyana to assist with the installation of the pumps. We are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s High Commission in India to assist with visas and other logistical support to the officers,” High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa said, according to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture.
During their dialogue, Mustapha mentioned several opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
“Right now, in Guyana, the challenges faced in the agriculture sector are climate change, financing, expertise in terms of personnel and also the numerous pests and diseases affecting our crops. I know India has very strong technical capabilities and resources to effectively deal with some of the challenges we are facing. I am looking forward to close collaborations with the Indian Government, through your office, to help us overcome some of these challenges,” Mustapha said.
The two officials also discussed partnering to diversify the sugar industry. Mustapha reiterated government’s commitment to reopening the sugar industry, in a way that is profitable.
“In order to make sugar profitable, we have to diversify. We have to first make the cost of production less than the price of sugar on the world market. This government understands the importance of the industry. When the previous administration closed those estates, there was a ripple effect that saw entire communities suffering. As a government, profits shouldn’t be your main motivator. You should work to improve the lives of your people. If you have to take some money from the treasury to help your people, there is nothing wrong with doing that,” Mustapha said, according to the release.
The High Commissioner also told the Minister that several training opportunities are available for persons involved in agriculture.
“Over the years, we’ve offered a number of training opportunities in several areas. These opportunities are not only open to your agriculture officers. If you have farmers or other persons involved in the sector that require training, we can facilitate them. The programmes are short term but very intense so these individuals would return well equipped to advance in the sector,” Dr Srinivasa said.
Also present at the meeting was the ministry’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj.
