Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai says Government is taking steps to boost agriculture production in Amerindian communities countrywide.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Sukhai said “We will be reintroducing the distribution of free Fastac and Acoushi ants’ bait to those villages that are suffering from the infestation of acoushi ants”.
It was highlighted by the Minister that the programme was brought to an end during the APNU+AFC time in office. Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine were beneficiaries of the programme.
“We are restarting that project at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry; within this first term begin to reintroduce the free distribution of Fastac and Acoushi ants’ bait to control Acoushi ants which affect many farmers in various regions,” the Minister said, according to DPI.
The Acoushi ant is deemed one of the most troublesome agricultural pests in Guyana, and baiting is one of the methods recommended to control it.
Added to that, the Ministry has bought 112 tractors for Amerindian communities to further boost agriculture production. The Minister said that 112 ploughs and harrows will also be bought to boost cultivation.
Sukhai also revealed that the Ministry will be training 200 drivers and tractor operators as part of the agricultural drive.
