The Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) community of Moco Moco may possess an idyllic beauty, but under that layer is a village facing challenges.
Moco Moco Toshao James George
Among those challenges is the question of markets for its crops.
During a recent interview with Guyana Times, Moco Moco Toshao James George noted that his community was primarily a farming area. But the Toshao noted that lack of access to markets was a major obstacle to the advancement of farming in the community.
“Agriculture could do a lot more in this community,” he said. “But one of the biggest problems is marketing. Probably because I live close to Brazil, I see what is happening in Boa Vista (Brazilian border city). During the weekends across to Boa Vista, there is a system in the Amerindian communities that trucks go around, pick up the farmers’ produce, go to market, and sell.”
“What is not sold, (the Brazilian) Government has a system in place that they take
A view of the Takutu Bridge linking Guyana to Brazil, whence local farmers are facing fierce competition
over the rest of the produce and they sell it. I don’t know where they sell it, but that is the system there. It gives the farmers more encouragement to do agriculture on a bigger scale.”
Comparing Brazil’s system to Guyana’s, he noted that while persons were being encouraged to do farming here, markets remained a major obstacle. He expressed hope that a system similar to the one in Brazil could be implemented in Guyana to encourage farmers to plant.
He noted that at the level of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), marketing issues being faced by farmers were a topic of discussion. But while commitments were made by the Government to help farmers market their goods, George said that nothing has been done.
“At that time, the Government said they would put things into place to see how good it would work. It’s not just here in Moco Moco, it’s the entire North Rupununi that marketing is a problem. We’re still waiting.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament and geographic representative of Region Nine, Alister Charlie also weighed in on the issue. He revealed that a lot of Brazilian produce was being used in the local markets and restaurants.
“We have a lot of cottage industries around this region that produce. But the unavailability of the markets, that’s the problem because of the competition with Brazil. People find it a little bit cheaper than our cottage industry prices here.”
“So, that is a problem and it needs to be addressed immediately. Because a lot of farmers complain that they got plantains, cassava bread, and it’s not selling. If you browse the supermarkets, you will see Brazilian things.”
Emphasising the need for the issue to be addressed, Charlie revealed that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder would be consulted on the situation at the next available opportunity.
Competition
When this publication visited the area recently, Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock had explained that there were deficiencies regarding local produce and quality control. According to the Chairman, entrepreneurs and farmers have to contend with competition from across the border.
He revealed that they had requested the farmers increase their production as one measure to increase commerce. In addition, he said requests have been made of supermarkets to buy local. But this can only ensue once assurances can be provided of a ready local supply.
“So we have products, but we have to put our systems in place to ensure quality control, so we can export over there. And we are hoping to get it soon, so our produce can go over there.”
