Pomeroon carambola farmers lack market for produce

By: Indrawattie Natram

The lack of markets for the carambola fruit, more commonly known as the “five finger”, has resulted in scores of farmers living in the Upper Pomeroon in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) counting their losses. Over three weeks ago, carambola farmers related that they were not able to sell their produce to the buyer who usually purchases from them. Instead the fruit is left to drop and rot on the ground, hence, farmers are losing out on the investment they made for the crop.

During a field visit to farms in the Upper Pomeroon, it was observed that acres of carambola farms had a large quantity of the fruit rotting on the ground. On Thursday, farmers of the Upper Pomeroon met with Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, expressing their concerns over the lack of markets. The Chairman was at the time conducting a two-day outreach in riverain areas.
Farmers have also explained that blocked drainage in the area is a great concern for farmers. They related that there has been no meaningful drainage works carried out after the previous Administration left office. They recommended that a blocked drainage project be implemented in the area so as to alleviate their stress and assist them in sustaining their livelihood.
After listening to this concern, the Chairman told farmers that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will seek support from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority into the block system.
Another challenge that was raised by farmers was the breaches on the river dam that was caused by the recent high tides. Residents took the opportunity to request support in the building of kokers and strengthening of the River dam.
The Charity-Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council was tasked with conducting an assessment and providing a report, since the intervention of the Public Infrastructure Ministry is urgently needed.
The need for extension services was also requested by farmers since they alleged that they are not receiving support from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. They have indicated that field visits by extension officers are not conducted and as such they are not properly guided.
According the Regional Chairman, the RDC will communicate all concerns raised with the relevant Ministries and agencies responsible since the region’s economy is presently affected and timely interventions are needed.