The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday launched its new extension system programme under the theme “Delivering Extension Services in the New Dispensation.” The training exercise caters for approximately 250 agriculture extension officers from all ten administrative regions, in an effort to improve services to farmers across the country.
The training was organized following several visits and engagements with farmers who had expressed the need for improved access to extension services.
In delivering remarks, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said that extension officers served as the initial link between the government and farmers, and as such, services should be delivered in a way that the government’s policies and vision for the sector can be achieved.
“The policies of the Ministry of Agriculture, which are guided by the government, will help us to ensure this sector is developed into a robust sector,” Mustapha said. “As critical players in this sector, we are obligated to ensure we achieve and maintain food security in Guyana, while playing a leading role in the regional food security efforts. As a government, one of our main objectives is to improve and increase outputs in the agriculture sector. Therefore, we need our extension officers to be more aggressive, responsive, reorganized, and result-orientated,’’ he added
According to the agriculture minister, the investments are being made to enhance transportation, logistics, food standards, and traceability within the agricultural industry given Guyana’s potential to become a leading exporter of both fresh and processed products.
“Being cognizant of accelerating agriculture production and boosting intraregional trade, the Government of Guyana is creating an enabling environment that will strengthen the agro-food system. As such, there has been an increase in both public and private investment in the agriculture sector. In light of the policy direction, it is necessary that the agricultural extension system be restructured to accommodate the expansion of agriculture production,” he added.
The minister said specific processes have to be put in place for the sector to experience sustainable growth. He emphasized the significance of incorporating technology and modern agricultural practices into routine agricultural operations, as well as the value of having regional leaders who can spur innovation and productivity in the industry.
“For continued growth in the agriculture sector, we need a robust and coordinated extension and advisory services system that is accessible to all farmers and rural families,” he said. “This system should be equipped with the latest technologies and knowledge to ensure that farmers are aware of the best practices and methods to enhance their productivity and profitability. There should be a focus on educating farmers and rural families on the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices and the most cost-effective techniques. Most importantly, however, we need to create regional leaders in agriculture who will drive innovation, efficiency, and productivity in the sector.”
Boundaries for the 31 extension districts within the ten regions have since been established as well as a standardized reporting format for all regions to improve data management and analysis capabilities.
Extension officers will be multi-functional and have the competence to solve problems relating to every facet of the sector under the new structure, which is anticipated to take effect as early as June.
Earlier this year, Minister Mustapha met with regional agriculture coordinators to discuss the government’s plan to revamp and restructure the extension arm of the ministry. Officers from the GLDA, GRDB, NAREI, New GMC, and other agencies under the ministry’s umbrella will, during the course of the day and in the coming weeks, be given extensive training in keeping with the government’s goal of delivering better services to farmers across the country.
