Yarrowkabra farmers call for assistance to expand cultivation

In a time when Guyana is aiming to create a robust and diversified agriculture sector, farmers have supported this cause and are seeking the Government’s support to expand their areas of cultivation and operations.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with farmers from Block 42, Moblissa, Yarrowkabra, and Kuru Kururu on Friday, where they were reassured that the Government will continue to support the development of agriculture.

While meeting with farmers from those communities, he said agriculture is high on the Government’s developmental agenda and called for cooperation to develop the sector within those communities.
While praising the Ali-led Administration for the interventions made thus far, farmers sought the Minister’s assistance with land titles to expand their cultivation. Other farmers requested assistance with acquiring farming inputs in the form of tools, agricultural machinery, and planting materials. They also requested assistance with Black Giant chicks and piglets to develop their communities’ poultry and swine industries.
Highlighting that every Guyanese must benefit from the country’s resources, Minister Mustapha told farmers that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will assist vulnerable groups with several tools and other implements, such as bait, seeds, seedlings, and other inputs to develop their production.
He also committed to ensuring farmers benefit from improved extension services as the Ministry is currently working to revamp its extension department to better serve farmers across the country.

Mustapha also engaged residents and farmers from Christianburg, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to discuss some of the issues faced. Several farmers who attended the meeting also requested assistance with developing and expanding their farms.
Minister Mustapha said that officers from the various agencies will meet with farmers to develop a programme to address all of the issues faced in the community. The Minister also encouraged the youths who are interested to develop farmers’ groups so that the Ministry can assist them to promote and expand their operations. He also committed to assisting vulnerable groups and single-parent households with Black Giant chickens to develop the poultry sector.
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector expanded by an estimated 11.9 per cent in 2022. This was attributed to the rice, livestock, and forestry industries. The rice sector grew by 8.1 per cent with total production of 610,595 tonnes. The other crops sector grew by 15.3 per cent, with expansions across all crop categories.