Agriculture Minister Commissions New Projects to Boost Berbice Farming Community

On Saturday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaged with farmers, sugar workers, and residents from various communities including Onverwagt on the West Coast of Berbice, Skeldon, #52-74, Johanna and Yakusari (BBP), and Talorgie on the Upper Corentyne Coast.

During his visit to Onverwagt, Minister Mustapha commissioned an amphibious excavator worth approximately $110 million. This new equipment will be instrumental in enhancing drainage and irrigation within the MMA-ADA Scheme, a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

In Skeldon, the Minister launched a new shadehouse project, benefitting 100 farmers from Crabwood Creek.

These farmers will receive materials and inputs to cultivate hot peppers, which will be supplied to an agro-processing facility in Black Bush Polder. This initiative is expected to boost local agriculture and provide economic opportunities for the farming community.

At Talorgie, Minister Mustapha distributed 100 tractor-driven pumps to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) along the Corentyne Coast. These pumps will aid in improving water management and agricultural efficiency in the region.

The Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) was also present, discussing the construction of the Hope-like Canal and other infrastructure projects designed to enhance the lives of farmers in the region. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable development in Berbice.