Agri Minister orders action on series of long-standing Black Bush Polder issues

– as canal maintenance, land disputes and chemical spraying come under focus

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday met with residents and farmers of Mibicuri and Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) where he addressed a series of long-standing issues ranging from poor canal maintenance and pesticide misuse to land disputes between cattle and rice farmers.

The meeting, held as part of the Minister’s ongoing outreach efforts across Region Six, saw candid discussions between farmers and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Water Users Association (WUA).
One of the main grievances raised by residents was the inadequate cleaning of drainage and irrigation canals in Mibicuri. Farmers complained that contracted works were either poorly executed or left undone altogether, affecting water flow to farmlands. In response, Minister Mustapha instructed that delinquent contractors be removed and replaced by local farmers’ groups willing to do the work themselves.
“Who are not doing the work, let us terminate the contract and give it to the people who are in the area. If the contractors are working, we will not take them out. But if they’re not doing the work, then those living and farming in the community should benefit from the job,” Mustapha said. The Minister further directed regional officials to establish a system to monitor maintenance contracts closely and ensure that payments are made only after works are properly completed. Another major concern raised was the spraying of canals with harmful chemicals. Residents alleged that some contractors were using insecticides and other toxic substances, posing environmental and health risks. Minister Mustapha emphasised that such practices are unacceptable and instructed the WUA to issue formal warnings to those responsible. He also ordered the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) to visit the community and conduct an investigation.
“People are collecting contracts and not doing the work properly, and in some cases, using dangerous sprays. That cannot continue… We have to examine these canals before paying anyone and ensure no pesticides are used in ways that endanger people or the environment.” He added that the Pesticides Board and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will jointly monitor chemical use in farming areas, especially where rice cultivation occurs near residential zones. Mustapha noted that some rice farmers have been using highly potent chemicals that can affect export quality and environmental safety. “We are already looking at restricting certain chemicals used on rice because the residue levels can affect export markets,” he explained, while adding, “We must control what is being sprayed around people’s homes.”

Cattle pastures and land use disputes
Cattle farmers also used the meeting to highlight the lack of designated pastures in the Cookrite Savannah area, noting that although the area was earmarked for livestock rearing, portions of the land are now being cultivated for rice. Minister Mustapha acknowledged the issue and ordered an immediate occupational survey to determine who holds leases for rice cultivation and livestock rearing in the Savannah.
“Cookrite Savannah was intended for rice and cattle,” he reminded residents. “We will work with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the GLDA to determine who is using the land and for what purpose. Once the survey is completed, we will ensure the area functions as it was meant to, supporting both livestock and agriculture, but with proper management.”
The Minister also stated that he will advocate for communal pastures to be created, allowing multiple farmers to graze their cattle rather than having individual plots.
Meanwhile, during a separate meeting at Yakusari, residents complained about animals destroying their cash crops. Minister Mustapha ordered that the animal pound in the area be reopened immediately, and directed the Head of the GLDA to meet with animal owners to resolve the issue. That meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Saturday’s engagement formed part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability among contractors, promote safer farming practices, and ensure that farmers directly benefit from Government interventions.
Minister Mustapha reaffirmed his commitment to addressing farmers’ challenges at the community level and said that all concerns raised will be followed up with concrete action.
“We cannot just come and talk. We have to fix the problems, whether it’s canal cleaning, chemicals, or cattle, we’ll deal with it, and we’ll do it together,” he assured residents.