Region Two rice farmers call for chemicals, improved drainage

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) speaking at the meeting. Also in photo from right are Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud.

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.