All must take agriculture in a serious manner

Dear Editor,
Under the leadership of the present administration, I can say that food issues have come a long way. The news I am celebrating is that the minister within the Ministry of Agriculture has just concluded a tour of 10 communities along the Pomeroon River, during which a four-day outreach programme administered to the needs of the region.
The aim of the exercise was to address concerns faced by farmers and other residents and to help them find solutions to their problems. The minister was accompanied by officials from the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The places covered were Karawba Mission, St Monica, Kabakaburi, Pickersgill, Warapana, Abrams Creek, Siriki, Jacklow, Friendship, and Cozier.
This says to me ‘taxing work’ was done, but it promises great results. I want readers to note that the Pomeroon is now on the verge of expanding its agriculture production. Farmers only have to pay keen attention to government’s investment programmes, such as drainage and irrigation, coconut production, and non-traditional crops. The food is there and all that is needed is that intervention from government in the area of enlightenment and infrastructure.
The need here is for citizens to be ‘on top’ and follow what is happening. Has this kind of thing ever happened before? I answer “nay”. I am not going to advocate but I have to ‘give Jack his jacket’.
There is ongoing commitment of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) administration in facilitating projects to foster a better quality of life in Guyana. I can mention here the solar panels and One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) for Amerindian and rural communities.
This means a lot for the hinterland people. They have been neglected for too long. In this regard too, it is not about amenities alone for the people, but also an understanding of how to ‘live successfully off the land’.
That is why the outreach was also about the acoushi ant infestation and the black sigatoka. These came up for discussion, and strategies for control, field sanitation, and strict use of chemicals were deliberated upon. Good work indeed! This is my word to many in this country – we have it and we can do. I ask that more be involved in agriculture (of any sort too). Food security for Guyana must be a priority. The government is doing its part, and so must the people.

Yours truly,
Ganpat Rai