Model Farm Open Day plants seeds of knowledge, growth

Beneath a bright morning sun, the hum of voices and the scent of fresh produce filled the air at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Model Farm. Farmers, students, and agriculture officers came together for a day of learning, discovery, and celebration during the annual Model Farm Open Day and Exhibition.

 For Krisna Sewlall, National Model Farm Coordinator, the day represented more than just an exhibition; it was a living classroom.
“Our main role at this model farm is to promote and support agricultural development by helping farmers and students adopt new technologies,” Sewlall said, as he guided visitors between rows of lush celery and sweet pepper plants.
The Model Farm functions as a hands-on demonstration site, showing farmers how to identify and overcome challenges in the field. Celery, for instance, is in high demand, up to $3000 per pound, yet many farmers struggle with diseases like damping off and leaf spots.

 Through its Farmers’ Clinic, the Model Farm offers real-time diagnosis and solutions. Farmers bring in samples, discuss their challenges, and receive expert advice to improve yield and quality.
“We also focus on Blue Star sweet pepper. Many farmers face problems with thrips and mites, so we show them how to recognise those pests and manage them properly,” Sewlall explained.
But the Model Farm is not just for farmers. It is also a hub for education and training.
Students from schools across Regions Five and Six, including Berbice High School, attend open days to see classroom lessons come alive. Teachers, too, benefit through in-service training, using the farm to strengthen their agricultural science programmes.
“Teachers often come here to go through specific topics. We assist them to enhance their curriculum and make agriculture more practical and engaging.”
This year’s Open Day drew more than 800 participants and featured eight agencies from the Ministry of Agriculture. Each showcased innovative tools, techniques, and products designed to boost productivity and sustainability.
As the event came to a close, the pride was evident on Sewlall’s face.

 “It has been a successful agricultural activity. Seeing farmers, students, and agencies working together – that’s what progress looks like,” Sewlall said.
With every demonstration, every seedling, and every student eager to learn, the Model Farm continues to plant more than crops; it plants the seeds of a stronger, more resilient agricultural future for Guyana.