Dear Editor,
Presently, Guyana is self-sufficient in the areas of beef, mutton, pork, poultry and goat meat, however, there is no reason why these cannot be produced at the export level. The challenge therefore is for us to arrive at sustainable increases in livestock production to secure that foreign market. Our pastoral systems need modernization, that is, the effective management of grazing animals to the quality of forage. The development of feedlots and pasturelands is vitally important for overall livestock development. There should also be an improvement in vaccinations and other general veterinary health practices.
An intensification in an increase in the number and quality of animals and animal products produced – this must be accomplished in improved breeds and upgrades. In cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs and poultry, here specific mention is made of the rearing of ducks. Upgrades and improved breeding can be effected by artificial inseminations and progeny testing. Cross breeding with imported breeds from places like India and Jamaica should be looked into. These breeds are already acclimatized and are well suited to a tropical climate. Brazil our neighbour to the South South-West is a world producer in beef and beef products, we can tap into this good relations with our neighbour and work on an aggressive improvement programme of our local herds.
Another area that needs special attention is inland fishing or freshwater fishing. With hundreds of acres of inland ponds, canals and other freshwater reservoirs Guyana can improve on its freshwater fisheries. Inland fishing encompasses shrimp, tilapia and hassar. The last named is a delicacy that is in great demand worldwide and Guyana can tap into this farming successfully. Government must put in place an intensified agricultural extension programme to sensitize farmers to get into this lucrative farming pursuit.
Other small animals such as iguana should be considered with an eye on the export market. Iguana is another one of the meat stock that has an international appeal where culinary delights are concerned, especially among the Guyanese diaspora. Thus a domesticated farming technique should be worked out, that is, the breeding of iguanas to meet sustainable levels for the export trade.
In our discussion of animal husbandry goals, we must not think of it as limited to the large scale extensive-type farmer, rather, we should see this farming as one that is well suited to the small to medium-sized farms. These smaller farmers are poised to become partners in the new dispensation of agricultural development in Guyana
Finally, evidence has shown that focusing on agriculture in the medium to long term is significantly more effective for the development of Third World Economies. Sustainable livestock production in developing countries is one of the best ways in which we can speed up development and improve our standing in the world.
Respectfully submitted,
Neil Adams