As food security and exports remain vital aspects of Guyana’s economy, New Frontier (NF) Agriculture has announced that its farm at Ebini, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is set to harvest its test crop of approximately 100 acres of corn. The crop was planted in July and according to the group, it paves the way for the planting of two crops for 2019.
In fact, NF Agriculture disclosed current projections for a first crop of 600 acres with the possibility of a larger second crop. Speaking in Georgetown while making preparations for the harvesting at Ebini, NF Agriculture Spokesperson, Fabiana Buckley, said “we are very satisfied with the results from this test crop since it confirms the potential of the agricultural lands here in the intermediate savannahs. We are going to continue to invest in this area as Guyana makes advances in agriculture and other areas.”
Buckley also said that “we are committed to providing employment for residents in
Corn cultivation at Ebini
the village. As we grow, we are committed to supporting the local community and making direct contributions to substance farmers operating in the area.”
NF Agriculture said too that all of the corn to be harvested this month has already been sold to local stockfeed producers. It observed that its short-term goal is “to be able to provide all of Guyana’s local stockfeed needs by 2020.”
“In the medium-term, NF expects to be able to supply the [Caribbean Community] Caricom market with corn for their stockfeed industry. Beyond that, the long-term goal is to expand to provide exports beyond the Caribbean,” a statement from NF noted.
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who visited the farm last month expressed satisfaction with the progress made at Ebini by NF Agriculture, as he met with the company’s staff which comprises nearly all locals, save for one “foreign family”.
“NF Agriculture, while focusing on high yield, is also investing heavily in sustainability and in using techniques and products that are environmentally friendly. The seeds being used at Ebini are produced using a seed technology which makes the crop highly resistant to pests. This in turn reduces the need for the use of harmful pesticides,” the statement further outlined.
It was earlier this year that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NF Agriculture Inc and investors of Lucas do Rio Verde which will see the commencement of an agricultural village in Guyana’s Intermediate Savannah.
This development will see the construction of a research institute, bioethanol stations, the large-scale agricultural production of corn and soybean, banking institutions, among other initiatives.
“Consequently, students from across the different regions of Guyana will gain many opportunities in becoming knowledgeable about the agriculture industry, enabling us to better compete in agriculture on the world stage. The company, which began work in Guyana in 2016, has had a positive impact thus far on the surrounding communities and intends to have an even greater impact in the coming months and years,” NF Agriculture committed.
