Farmers in the Pakaraimas now planting channa, garlic, onions

Farmers in the Pakaraima mountains of Region Eight have started pilot cultivation of several exotic crops, such as garlic, chickpeas (channa) and onions, through an Agriculture Ministry project to explore produce with longer shelf life that can be grown in the mountainous areas of Guyana. Less than three months ago, the agriculture officials announced completion of a scientific study on the new crops, and their plans to move ahead with cultivation. Since then, planting materials were sourced locally and distributed free of cost to the identified farmers of villages, including Kato. The new crops are already about two months into cultivation, and have so far shown progressive results, according to the experts overlooking the initiative. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has since placed one of its technical officers permanently in the region to work with the farmers. The officer has reported that, although the weather there is very hot, the new crops have not been adversely affected, nor has there been any attack from pests or diseases. The main crop scientist spearheading the project is expected to visit the region in the coming weeks to conduct further assessments of the cultivation plots. The agriculturalists are still studying the crops to improve their understanding of them, as this would help farmers to go into commercial production once the trial proves successful. Further, NAREI does not foresee any challenges with procuring planting materials, since adequate quantities are available on the local market. Prior to the pilot cultivation, the scientific study found that Region Eight presented a unique opportunity for scientists to study diversification of cropping patterns in Guyana with potential to grow onions, Irish potatoes, carrots and turmeric in five identified villages of the Pakaraimas.

Soil and Land Use Surveyor David Fredericks and Agronomist Ramnarace Sukna conducted sensitisation missions in the villages of Kato, Kurukubaru, Tusenen, Paramakatoi and its satellite village of Bamboo Creek. Their work also included soil surveys and analyses of the topography and weather patterns. Based on the studies, Fredericks maintained that good yields and productivity are linked to good management practices at the plots; and protocols of using the best land options, limestone and fertilisers, together with judicious drainage and irrigation practices, are basics.

The study found that onions had the best chance of high productivity at Paramakatoi and Bamboo Creek. The productivity of onions at these plots could be improved and maintained with the application of liming agents, the scientists reported. Potatoes, on the other hand, have a better chance of success at Paramakatoi than at Bamboo Creek, since Paramakatoi has fewer limitations to overcome. The researchers observed that productivity of potatoes in those areas could be improved and maintained with the application of liming agents, judicious tillage, and reliable irrigation. However, this crop may never realise its full potential, as the limitation of temperature is impossible to overcome, the pilot project report stated. Carrots and tumeric have good potential of high productivity at Bamboo Creek. The productivity at these plots could be improved and maintained with the application of liming agents and with good irrigation. Moreover, the researchers carefully analysed land evaluation, soil characteristics of the pilot plots, suitability for use, rainfall patterns, field layout, field preparation and climate characteristics. They demonstrated to residents the methods of land selection and preparation, and techniques of planting crops in established pilot plots. Brochures on the husbandry of tumeric, onion, potato, black pepper and carrot were distributed as well; while vegetable seeds such as poi, pak- choi, tomato, cabbage, bora, water melon, cucumber, ochro, commonly cultivated in these communities, were distributed to farmers. The new Hinterland Crop Initiative is based on the fact that Region Eight had successfully grown commercial quantities of potatoes and onions during the 1970s. Unfortunately, inability to transport the large volumes produced to commercial outlets at competitive prices led to wastage and disenchantment of communities; thus production efforts were discontinued. Now, the Agriculture Ministry is looking to revive cultivation of these crops with an integrated approach to production and marketing based on value-added and processing activities.

They officials believe that the crops can be grown and processed in the hinterland before being transported to the Coast for sale locally and for export.