As the agriculture sector in Guyana continues to receive vast support from national and international sources, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) has received a state-of-the-art greenhouse from an initiative made possible by the following entities: United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) visionary project, “Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate, and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER)”, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and other partners.
Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha cutting the ribbon to ceremonially commission the project
This greenhouse is compiled with various technologies, such as hydroponics and aquaculture facilities from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and UNDP Resident Representative Gerardo Noto made it clear that the various technologies would help Guyana to respond to climate change with a high focus on agriculture students. Roto mentioned that this project would help to produce a gender-based perspective in climate smart agriculture, while advancing real social inclusion.
“Female students have played a leading role in making this a reality,” he said as he commended the collaborative support of all agencies as part of the new era project.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
IICA Representative in Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, has said this facility is set to be a ground of training for farmers, and the UNDP would work with the GSA and the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure it is in progress.
Garnett said the new greenhouse, which would effectively combat pests and diseases, would serve as a production site for safe and nutritious crops. “The greenhouse is fixated with dips, and also within the house itself, there is closure and fixture which will reduce pests and diseases, making a way for production of fresh crops,” He stated.
As the Canadian Government continues to support projects in Caricom countries, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has relayed that projects like these would show Guyana’s competence against rising climatic issues. “With this project, we are showing the world that the second most disaster-prone country’s area in the world is prepared to address the number one issue of climate change.”
Further, he drew reference to other Caribbean countries whose economies have been destroyed by climate change, and in concluding remarked that this project wholistically marks a great step for Guyana in climate- smart agriculture. (G2)
