As part of government’s efforts to boost agricultural development in Amerindian communities, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), recently handed over a selection of plants along with farming equipment to the residents of Akawini, Lower Pomeroon, in Region Two.
Prime Ministerial Representative for Region Two, Arnold Adams, handed over to the community farmers, two tillers to assist in their farming operations along with Brazilian dwarf coconut, ginger, and citrus plants.
The initiative follows a recent visit by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who held a meeting with the community during which residents voiced their need for seeds, plants, and agricultural equipment.
In response, the Director General assured the residents of the government’s unwavering support and promised that their needs would be met within two weeks, while encouraging them to diversify and expand their agricultural pursuits. This request was fulfilled with the handing over.
Meanwhile, Adams also echoed the government’s ongoing commitment to to supporting the Pomeroon River communities’ agricultural efforts, and promised that NAREI field officers would visit regularly to offer further assistance.
Chris Richards, a resident of School Island, commended the government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, for their prompt and effective action. He noted that the community has a lot of farmers and the assistance will be of great assistance to them.
In a broader effort to rejuvenate the coconut industry in the Pomeroon River area, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha handed over 3,000 high-yield Brazilian green dwarf coconut plants to more than 120 coconut farmers in June. This comprehensive distribution of agricultural inputs and planting materials underscores the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural growth and improving rural incomes.
