Windsor Castle residents blame farmer for cash crop losses

Indiscriminate spraying of herbicide

…fruits, vegetables and water supplies also contaminated with poison

Residents living in the Windsor Castle area on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two are counting their losses due to excessive spraying conducted by a particular rice farmer.

Several acres of land in the area are currently contaminated. According to information reaching Guyana Times, a rice farmer on Thursday last sprayed his fields with the herbicide suspected to be that of Gramoxone.
According to residents, instead of the farmer using a fogging machine, he reportedly used a tractor with an attached mounted sprayer.
In the process of spraying his rice lands, he unconsciously damaged a large portion of lands within close proximity of his plot. Information reaching Guyana Times indicated that more than sixty residents have been affected. Reports also indicate that fruits, vegetables and water supplies have also been contaminated.
Venting their frustration over the issue, many explained that their plot of vegetables are scorched. The plants were currently damaged and the livelihoods of many persons are affected.
Rice farmer Indarpaul Ramkoomar is one of the affected persons. Apart from cultivating rice, Mr. Ramkoomar also cultivates vegetables on a medium scale, for whole sale and retail purposes.
The rice farmer said that he estimates a loss of some $300,000, inclusive of profit and capital. The farmer said he was not at home and as such did not get to washed the poison off the plants.
Police were informed about the matter and the Pesticides and Toxic Control Board was also informed. An investigation has been launched. (Indrawattie Natram)