Reg 2 gets 2 new excavators to strengthen farming, infrastructure

Two new mini excavators were on Tuesday commissioned to improve agriculture and infrastructure in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
During a simple handing-over ceremony at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Office, Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the importance of agriculture to that region while reaffirming the government’s commitment to making the necessary investments to support its growth.

He explained that the commissioning of the mini excavators is just one step in a broader strategy to equip farmers and residents with the tools they need to overcome persistent challenges in drainage and irrigation.
Mustapha stated that since 2020, Region Two has received 17 pieces of equipment, with three more being added during Thursday’s event. This brings the total to 20 pieces of machinery that have been dedicated to agricultural enhancement in the region.
“Region Two is an agriculture-based region, and we recognize the need for continuous investment to sustain and grow the sector,” he said.
Further elaborating, he pointed out the unprecedented agricultural output in Region Two, citing the planting of 36,000 acres of land—an all-time high for the region. He explained that the government remains focused on addressing the challenges that farmers face, including the issue of paddy bugs and fluctuating crop prices. To this end, the administration has worked with millers and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to negotiate a payment of $4,000 per bag of paddy, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
The Minister also emphasized that the newly commissioned equipment is intended to benefit every community within the region. “We need to ensure that these machines are used effectively to support farmers across Region Two. It’s not just about handing over the equipment, but making sure they are put to good use to maximize their impact on the region’s agriculture.”
He concluded by urging the residents and regional authorities to collaborate and work closely with the ministry to ensure that the machinery benefits all farmers in their efforts to increase productivity and sustainability.
Additionally, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj who played a pivotal role in advocating for the additional equipment, explained that the region’s farmers had long expressed the need for more machinery to cope with the challenges of drainage and irrigation.
“Over the years, we have seen a growing need for more equipment to support farming activities, especially as agriculture in Region Two continues to expand.”
He acknowledged that these two mini excavators are a critical addition to the region’s resources, helping to ease the burden on farmers and improve efficiency in water management.
Ramraj further highlighted that with better access to machinery, farmers would now be able to manage their lands more effectively, ensuring that they remain productive even during the rainy season. This, in turn, would boost the overall agricultural output of the region.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining and managing the equipment properly to ensure long-term benefits for the communities across Region Two.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva pointed out that the mini excavators will not only reduce the workload for farmers but also create opportunities for increased agricultural production.
According to De Silva, many farmers had been struggling to manage their lands due to the lack of machinery and these new additions will significantly ease their workload and are now willing to get back on their land for farming.
“With these machines, farmers will have the support they need to return to their lands and increase their production. This will not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the overall growth of the region’s agriculture.”
She also praised the government’s ongoing commitment to providing the necessary resources to ensure the agricultural sector’s growth.
De Silva expressed her gratitude to Minister Mustapha and the NDIA team for recognizing the needs of Region Two and responding with timely and meaningful support. (Raywattie Deonarine)