Scores of rice farmers in Siriki, Region Two have called for improved drainage in their community and have also requested chemicals to combat paddy bug infestations.
These requests were made during Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit to the region yesterday afternoon. He was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; along with Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj.
During the outreach, both rice and cash crop farmers expressed their gratitude for the various interventions in the sector but emphasised the need for further assistance, particularly in the Siriki and Bethany communities.
Farmers in Bethany highlighted the need for canal cleaning in their area and rice farmers in other areas spoke of the high prevalence of paddy bugs, for which they urgently need chemicals. Some farmers also mentioned they had not yet received the necessary supplies.
In response, Jagdeo informed the farmers that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is providing chemicals to rice farmers. He then instructed field officers to verify the distribution and advised farmers who have not received chemicals to contact the extension officers.
The Vice-President also drew attention to government’s investment in the agriculture sector, noting that over $2.4 billion has been spent on improving infrastructure in the region.
Several pig farmers from Queenstown village requested land for pig rearing and Jagdeo directed the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to address this issue. Queenstown residents also requested improved dams and were informed that the road project had already been awarded.
Jagdeo assured the gathering that the government was committed to representing the interests of Guyanese people and said that the ministers accompanying him would visit various areas to listen to residents’ concerns.
The farmers thanked the Guyana Rice Development Board and NAREI for their ongoing fieldwork.
