Dear Editor,
The press stated that the Guyana Government is about to launch a huge agricultural project, that is a “Masterplan (is) being developed to enhance agricultural productivity in (the) Upper Corentyne (area). Well, this is absolutely fantastic; it is prudent and timely. Couched in this ‘Master’ initiative are plans to “… enhance agricultural productivity” by utilising and transforming approximately 40,000 acres of land in the Upper Corentyne, Region Six area. The idea is about “… bringing all available lands into productive use, including privately held areas stretching to Moleson Creek.” This is indeed the way to go. And why?
For one, healthy, sustainable and inclusive food systems are all very critical to the achieving of the world’s development goals. In fact, agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050. In this vein, Guyana is not merely parochial; the government is all about global impact, even as it takes care of necessary businesses in Guyana.
The flip-side of this is that agriculture-driven growth, poverty reduction, and food security are all at risk. How come? The answer resides in the multiple shocks emanating from COVID-19 related disruptions to extreme weather, pests, and conflicts, as all of these have impacted and are impacting food systems. The reality is that the goal of ending global hunger by 2030 is currently off track. Conflicts, climate change, and high food prices are driving food and nutrition insecurity, pushing millions into extreme poverty, and reversing hard-won development gains. This therefore makes the ‘Masterplan’ that is being developed in the Upper Corentyne area so very important. Afterall, agriculture can help reduce poverty, raise incomes and improve food security for 80% of the world’s poor, who live in rural areas and work mainly in farming.
The viability of this venture looks quite promising too as money, to the tune of $2 billion, is still available in the budget for infrastructural development, aimed at enhancing land productivity. According to Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, the will is to “… fulfil the government’s commitments to the agricultural sector… by utilising some 25,000 acres of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo)’s land at Skeldon for various agricultural initiatives.”
He detailed that “… proposals include setting aside portions for aquaculture, specifically shrimp farming and hemp cultivation. The plan also aims to empower laid-off workers by involving them in ownership structures, allowing them to benefit from the agricultural projects.” What is good is that this will allow many who were laid off at Skeldon, to be involved in ownership, and rediscover their level of comfort as regards security of livelihood.
Editor, I will not belabour readers with more details (as the plans are really diverse) but suffice to say is that “There are also plans to invest in a large-scale nursery, where locals will be trained to produce seedlings and engage in grafting, making high-quality planting material readily available.” The end is that there will be “output,” as the Vice President really emphasised the importance of developing essential infrastructure to make these 40,000 acres productive. If not, it will be a wasted exercise. And since ownership and control will be in the people’s hand, then there is every reason to be optimistic.
I remind all that our planet will have to feed an additional 1.5 billion people in 2030, 90% of whom will be living in developing countries such as Guyana. Thus, the world will need to raise its food production by 60-70% to feed more than nine billion people by 2050. Also, I must inform all that the food system can heal the planet, reduce emissions and drive growth. Indeed, feeding people adequately now is an opportunity to shape tomorrow’s growth trajectory, prioritizing health, and enabling the next generation of on-and off-farm entrepreneurs. Such a food transition that Guyana is engaged in can also help eliminate a third of the world’s greenhouse emissions by 2050.
Sincerely,
Hargesh B Singh