Region 5 farmers’ groups benefit from $1.8M in inputs

Three farmers groups from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Wednesday, benefited from farming tools and other inputs to boost their production amounting to $1.8 million.

During a regional outreach at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agriculture Development Authority, Minister of AgricultureMinister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over the items to representatives from the Cotton Tree Farmers’ Group, the Zee Zight Farmers’ Group, and the Number Nine Farmers’ group.

In his address, the Minister explained that given Guyana’s leading role in CARICOM, as it relates to agriculture, the government has been making funds available to that farmers can benefit from resources to improve and increase their production.

He cited that “two years ago, during a Heads of Government meeting, our President made a presentation detailing how CARICOM can reduce its food import bill by 25% by the year 2025.

Melina Vossey, President of the Number Nine farmers’ Group upon receiving the items on behalf of the group thanked the ministry and the government for the donation. She noted that the group consisted of 30, cash-crop farmers

She added that requests were made last December for assistance with tools and other items that were needed, and noted that this is the first time they have received such help from any administration.

Vossy said “I was a part of another group that fell apart so we decided to form another group. These tools will benefit our farmers because they cannot afford to buy some of the tools. Our members are very thankful and we will use it to develop our farms.”

Some of the items handed over include motorise tillers, hoes, cutlasses, forks, shovels, water pumps, grass cutters, seeds, and other chemicals and inputs.