President Bharrat Jagdeo on April 08th launched the Gy$1.3billion Aurora Land Development project in Region Two.
The project, which closely embraces the Diversification Strategy and Rural Development Plan, will benefit farmers living in the villages of Aurora, Good Hope, Riverstown, Suddie and Supenaam Creek.
Addressing scores of farmers at the Aurora Primary School, President Jagdeo said the model of the project is designed with the intention to have a huge impact in the farming community, and would generate employment for very many persons. This initiative, the head of state said, will also benefit young people who are aspiring to explore the agriculture sector.
He announced that Gy$250 million is presently being release for the first phase of the project.
The head of state added that the land distribution should be a “fair exercise” and farmers should opt for maximum benefit.
He said the launching of the project is the beginning of “great things” for the agriculture sector; and, as such, he urged farmers to work collectively in terms of forming themselves into groups and supervising the project.
“We need to hear your inputs; this is for your benefit, and you have every right to make recommendations and suggestions,” the president told the farmers, while urging parents to get their children involved in agriculture so that the sector can be stronger.
“The world is changing, not everyone can be in offices, farming has lots of gains,” he said.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who was also at the launching, stated that the project was in response to the request by farmers to have more land available to them.
He urged farmers to be independent and innovative, adding that a cohesive approach towards the project will assure success.
Farmers were also warned not to rent the lands when given them, and cautioned that, if anyone is found in breach of the arrangements, the land will be repossessed.
Also attending the launching were Regional Chairman Ali Baksh, Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, PPP/ C presidential candidate Donald Ramotar, and technical staff from the Agriculture Ministry.
