News and Current Events

General Agriculture
	Guyana thanks IICA on its 60th anniversary	October 14, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	Region Six Administration seeks cooperation from residents	October 15, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	Exporters getting cold storage boost at airport	October 16, 2002	Stabroek News
	NDDP reports positive results from free milk project	October 16, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	Food security an essential concern for all nations	October 17, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	Thousands celebrate World Food Day in Berbice	October 18, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	World Food Day exhibition	October 18, 2002	Guyana Chronicle
	Great progress in rice and sugar output despite hurdles	October 20, 2002	Stabroek News
	Breadfruit has potential for export market	October 20, 2002	Stabroek News

MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr Navin Chandarpal has expressed sincere thanks to Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the benefits Guyana has received from that institution.

Speaking on behalf of the Guyanese Government and People, on the occasion of IICA’s 60th anniversary last Friday, he also thanked the successive Directors-General, IICA representatives and staff in this country and pledged the Government's support for the new vision and mission of IICA, being developed under the current Director-General, Dr Chelston W.D. Braithwaite.

A release said that objective is to promote sustainable development of agriculture, food security and prosperity in the rural communities of the Americas.

The IICA office in Georgetown was opened in 1975 and it has, since then, worked continuously with Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock and National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and numerous rural communities throughout the country.

The release said notable among the IICA activities has been a programme to control ‘Cedros Wilt’, a disease of the coconut palm, breeding of ‘minica’ (a cowpea cultivar), development of St Stanislaus Dairy Demonstration Unit, rehabilitation of Government nurseries, supporting rural and farmer groups with the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, including coffee at Wakapoa, cassava at St Deny's, Tapakuma and, more recently, organic cocoa at Mabaruma/Hosororo in Region One (Barima/Waini).

The statement said IICA also assisted in the establishment of Guyana Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), an electronic mechanism for linking the agricultural entities in the country.

IICA Caribbean Regional Director, Guyanese Dr Arlington Chesney will join the IICA Guyana Office in celebrating its 60th anniversary during the World Food Day programme at Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne, Berbice, on October 16.

IICA was founded in 1942 as the specialised agency for agriculture and rural well-being in the Inter-American system, which also comprises Organisation of American States (OAS), Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), among other institutions.

IICA was established to solve agricultural problems and foster mutual understanding among all countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, with offices in 34 countries of the Americas, its programmes in agricultural trade and agribusiness development, sustainable rural development, agricultural health and food safety, technology and innovation, education and training and information and communication are all focused on meeting the problems of its member nations.

The statement said commemorative activities to mark the occasion were scheduled in each of IICA's offices and at its headquarters, to be attended by ministerial delegations from 12 countries, as well as the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services of United States Department of Agriculture and Director of International Food Policy Research Institute.

CHAIRMAN of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Rohit Persaud, has called on residents in the 'Ancient County' to cooperate with the work programme of the Regional Administration.

Speaking at the recent launch of Agriculture Month, in the wake of numerous reports about damage to Government property, he vowed to take tough action against those responsible.

Persaud expressed disgust at the destruction of recently built sea defences along Corentyne Coast and said it is posing a threat to residential and farming communities, particularly during high tides.

He identified sections between Seawell and Borlam, Port Mourant and Whim and Bush Lot and Wellington Park as those predominantly affected.

Persaud said residents should care and protect State assets and warned farmers against cultivating on road shoulders, saying the practice and heavy-duty vehicles traversing freshly built thoroughfares were undermining the foundation.

The Chairman also spoke about garbage disposal on the Corentyne highway and said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will collaborate with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), health authorities and the Police on the unlawful dumping that takes place, especially between Fyrish and Number 19 villages at nights, when people from as far as New Amsterdam and Albion contribute to the unsavory surroundings and health hazard.

Exporters will soon benefit from a cold storage bond at the Timehri airport to preserve perishables during shipment.

Amerijet will soon have operational a 20 ft containerized storage facility to allow for the chilling of perishables as needed.

The 20x7x7 cubic ft container will have the capacity to easily hold some 20,000 lbs of produce.
This facility is part of a general package aimed at enhancing the capacity of the local freight sector in light of increases in the export of perishable commodities, especially to Caribbean destinations.

The improvements were outlined during a tour of the facilities yesterday by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Bowhan Balkaran and other officials.

Managing Director of Total S&H Agents, Ulric Ceres, outlining operations at the Amerijet terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri said that goods are shipped to several destinations in the region and Miami.

The absence of cold storage facilities, according to Balkaran, affects the quality of perishable exports, especially in cases of long delays between reaping and arrival at market.

Meanwhile there is a likelihood of expanded cold storage facilities with a proposal being mooted by Royal Caribbean, which is involved in exporting chilled fish to the US market. This company is said to be willing to provide two 40-ft refrigerated containers as it anticipates growth in the export of perishables.
They now package their product (red snapper) at their city facility, transporting it to the airport for freight in refrigerated trucks under strict hygienic standards.

Reporters were shown how the packing is done and care taken to ensure that the product meets the market in the best possible shape.

During the site visit several exporters were preparing their goods for shipment to the Caribbean.
According to Ceres, the agency was expecting to deal with approximately 25,000 lbs of produce yesterday alone.

Among the items being exported were ground provisions, pineapples, limes, watermelons, bora and pumpkins.

The carrying capacity of the aircraft, a Boeing 727, was said to be 60,000 lbs with 30,000 lbs being required to allow it to break even.

On a typical shipping day, exporters have to follow several procedures before their goods depart. Once at the terminal, goods are off-loaded, weighed and loaded onto pallets and then stored prior to their inspection by personnel from the Customs and Trade Administration. Following this they are readied for the journey.

At the Timehri terminal, documentation, including the airway bill which lists several details concerning the items for export, is also prepared to facilitate shipment.

Commenting on the normal flow of business, Ceres said that some 250,000 lbs of merchandise is imported while about 150,000 lbs of mostly perishables is exported monthly.

Exports have shown a decline in recent months but are gradually showing improvements. He attributed the shortfall to heavy rainfall which affected the quality of produce.

Ceres, however, said that there has been a noticeable increase in shipments of produce, mostly to Barbados, of between 20,000 to 25,000 lbs per week, figures confirmed by exporters present.

But exporters spoke of a decline in the supply of quality produce in the face of a growth in demand.
The current freight charge for perishables is 0.11 US cents per lb, a price which Ceres referred to as a special.

This price, farmers noted, is in addition to a 6 US cents fuel tariff which makes the final shipment price somewhere around 17 US cents per lb.
(Oscar P. Clarke)

THE National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) project to give free pasteurised milk to children at Airy Hall, Calcutta and Novar nursery schools in Mahaicony has yielded positive results, Coordinator Mr Ken Craig has reported.

Speaking last Wednesday, when Guyana observed World School Milk Day for the first time at Novar nursery, he said the schools in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) were chosen because of availability of the milk and malnourished children there.

He disclosed that, after consuming one pack of Dantzig milk daily for about nine months, the children’s nutritional level improved and they are more energetic.

The pupils’ weight and height have also increased and the milk distribution has served to encourage them to attend school more regularly while their parents are now buying the commodity for their entire families.

Craig reiterated what Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Mr Satyadeow Sawh said that the supplementation will be extended to other Regions.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Sawh went to Novar to get a feedback on the nutritional effect of supplies from Dantzig Milk Plant since the free distribution began in February this year and he recommended that more schools are provided.

Director of Guyana Dairy Development Programme (GDDP), Dr Hector Munoz said the the main purpose of the NDDP initiative was to improve the nutritional levels of children in the identified schools, create markets for the produce of farmers in Mahaicony/Abary communities, also on East Coast Demerara and encourage them to increase production so that more people can get it.

Sawh commended GDDP and said the second stage of the extended scheme will be in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

He also expressed optimism that the milk plant will be replicated countrywide and called on farmers to become more involved in value-added process.

According to GINA, Sawh said there is great scope for such products and the goal is to diversify and work collectively to make the industry a success.

TODAY we observe World Food Day under the theme "Water: source of food security".

This year's observance follows closely on the "World Food Summit: Five Years Later," during which world leaders reaffirmed the goals set out in the Rome Declaration on World Food Security five years earlier at the initial World Food Summit.

Food Security is an essential concern for all nations of the world, and is closely linked to the scourge of poverty and hunger. The main requirement of Food Security is access to sufficient nutritionally adequate and safe food for all.

The high incidence of starvation around the world is related to the production process, as well as the distribution.

The world produces enough food to provide for all. But this is controlled by companies in developed countries, which manipulate the markets for maximum profits instead of human need. As a result, large amounts of food are dumped while hundreds of millions are starving.

In the developing countries, there is a high dependence on agriculture to generate wealth and create jobs.

The control of world trade relations by the developed countries is leading to increased pressures on agricultural products from poorer countries. This is clearly demonstrated in the rice sector in Guyana. Export prices have dropped to half of what they were six years ago. At the same time, the prices of important inputs, such as fuel and fertilisers from developed countries continue to rise steadily. This leads to reduced income for the farmers, and for the country as a whole, which in turn causes a further decline in the ability to obtain adequate food.

The challenge before us is to become competitive in our export crops, and to diversify our agricultural production to create greater self-sufficiency in our food needs.

These are the pillars of Government's agricultural policy - increasing competitiveness, adding value to our primary products and diversification.

To achieve these objectives, Government has been giving technical and logistical support to agricultural producers on an ongoing basis, and has developed strategic plans for qualitative development of the agricultural sector.

These plans cover many areas of focus, including the theme of the World Food Day.

Water management is vital to agricultural production. During the last ten years the PPP-Civic administration has placed a high priority on drainage and irrigation. Because of the intense rehabilitation programme, huge areas of land are now under cultivation.

However, water management is very difficult and costly. Government is encouraging farmers' participation in the operations and maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems. Greater co-operation by farmers will lead to greater efficiency.

The recent trend of irregular weather patterns has increased the difficulties of water management. This further emphasises the need for responsible approaches by water users to support the efforts of the administration to provide a more effective approach to water management.

As we celebrate World Food Day today, let us give recognition to the work of our nation's agricultural producers and let us all support the Government's effort to improve our agricultural production as a contribution to increase food security.

THOUSANDS turned out on Wednesday at the Albion Sports Complex Ground, Corentyne, for the annual World Food Day observance which was celebrated in the Ancient County for the third time.

In spite of the intense heat, the crowd, some of whom were schoolchildren along with a cross-section of the society, were at the Sports Complex from early in the day, but increased during the afternoon and peaked as night stepped in.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Rohit Persaud, in his capacity as head of the Organising Committee commended the efforts of the various agencies and remarked that the exhibition would give farmers an impetus to produce more.

Looking down from the specially erected stage at the swell of humanity gathered on the ground to either visit the scores of booths or just to be entertained by the cultural presentation, one could have been easily misled into believing that it was an international affair being held in a more developed country.

Mr. Satyadeow Sawh, Minister of Fisheries, Corps and Livestock, told the Chronicle that the thousands at the exhibition represented those who want to be identified with the successes of agriculture.

The atmosphere was that of a celebration, he said, while looking at the sea of persons pouring into the complex. Fifty-odd exhibitors had days earlier secured their 20-sq. ft. spaces to display their craft and agricultural products.

The Ministry of Education official from the North Georgetown Secondary School, Ms Melissa Matherson was quick to woo viewers to her booth.

Need to lose weight? The Dietician advised that two grapefruits, two cucumbers, one lemon and a cup of water should be blended and a snap glass taken every other day.

Or, are you too thin and in need of some additional pounds? Then 10 glasses of passion fruit drink should be consumed daily, she stated.

Ms. Matherson said the most commonly used Sunday morning drink is that for hangovers - this is made with 125-g papaya, 125-g cucumber, along with two oranges. These are also blended and a snap-glass full is taken.

A stone’s throw away from the Education Ministry stalls which also highlighted Food and Nutrition, along with the Agriculture Department of the Berbice Educational Institute and the New Amsterdam Multilateral School, was the National Dairy Development Programme which showcased its Dantzig milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. Viewers were afforded a sample of those items.

The hinterland booths, with representatives from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine displayed the staples of the hinterland - Cassava, Farine, along with a variety of peas including white, black-eye, kidney, and pigeon peas, and cashew nuts.

The 110 pounds of plantain produced from the soil at Mara showed that despite repeated floods, in the area, the land yielded a surplus.

Farmer Sewchand Durjodhan, proudly displaying his giant bunch for all to see, said in his six years of farming, it was his largest.

No extra care was given to the sucker which took an additional three months to mature, but the East Bank Berbice villager is requesting that an extension officer visit their location to advise and guide the farmers on the use of fertilisers.

The aroma of highly seasoned fish, drew the large gathering to the Upper Corentyne Fisherman's Co-op Society Stall, which served the priced meal with potato chips.

The Sanata Company displayed designed and plain cotton. The Agriculture Corps of the Guyana Defence Force, which is self-sufficient in chicken and eggs, also had a booth.

The Guyana Rice Producers, and Nand Persaud Rice Company were also among the exhibitors, the latter giving samples of its long-grain parboiled product to viewers.

Other booths included the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco), exhibiting its organic sugar, and the Livestock Division of the Ministry of Fishers, Crops and Livestock, exhibiting animals and meat birds.

Other agencies on display were New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Guyana School of Agriculture, Institute of Private Enterprise Development, AINLIM, Geddes Grant and Iworkrama.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Navin Chandarpal, commenting on the day's activities, said the exhibition brings out the fact that Guyana’s economy is being boosted by agricultural products, and, in an atmosphere like this, it would lead to more growth and an equal amount in consumption.

Among other activities were a photographic exhibition mounted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) on the 10th anniversary of the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in government, and the sale of craft items.
(Jeune Bailey Van-Keric)

October 18, 2002
Guyana Chronicle

AGRICULTURAL expert, Dr. Arlington Chesney, has described agriculture as a business, which should no longer be regarded as a hobby, but as an important contribution to economic development.

Addressing the official ceremony to observe World Food Day at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) on Wednesday, Dr. Chesney, Director of Operations, Caribbean Region, and Adviser to the Director General on Caribbean Affairs of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), declared, "Agriculture has changed. It is not what it was five years ago. Agriculture is a business not a hobby; all must work together as a team if our products are to be sold in any market. Agriculture is important to economic development of any country and farmers and other agri-entrepreneurs are first-class citizens whom our entire nation must be proud of. This is what I would ask all of you to remember."

World Food Day 2002 was observed under the theme `Water: Source of Food Security.’ Guyana joined about 150 countries in the World to observe World Food Day yesterday.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), it was noted that the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, at the forefront in the battle against hunger, initiated the observance of World Food Day in 1981 to highlight the problems of hunger and food security.

There were several companies and organisations displaying and selling their products at the exhibition and sale. Some of the participants included: the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC); National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI); Ministry of Education; IICA/Rural Women's Network in Guyana; Geddes Grant; ANLIM; Banks DIH; Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL); Number 66 Fishermen's Coop; Guyana Defence Force (GDF); Nand Persaud and Company Limited; Alesie; G&C Sanatan Company Inc.; Caribbean Chemicals; Institute for Private Enterprises Development (IPED); the Hydrometeorological Department of the Minister of Agriculture; Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and other schools on the Corentyne Coast; National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP); the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) and Farfan and Mendez.

A photographic exhibition highlighting some of the progress made under the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over the last ten years was also on display by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Fresh fruits and vegetables, different types of livestock, a variety of fish, processed food, chemicals, equipment, fertilisers and other agricultural materials were on display.

"It (agriculture) is the business of producing food, both fresh and processed for sale to the consumers. It is not the business of producing crops and livestock. It is 'food'. The farmer is no second-class citizen that we would not want our sons and daughters to become," said Dr. Chesney.

It was noted that the reasons for Agriculture Month is to bring agriculture into the eyes of the general public, especially the urban public and to give public recognition to the persons who enabled the population to have food on the table, food that is safe and nutritious.

Dr. Chesney said: "Many times the public, including the non-agricultural politicians and financial decision makers, forget where the food they eat comes from."

He added, "What did we learn from September 11, 2001? It taught us that we, either as a country or as a region, must be able to supply a substantial portion of our food and agricultural input requirements. The concept of Food Security must therefore replace the concept of Food Availability. Food Availability may not necessarily mean having access to food. Food insecurity also threatens national sovereignty."

"It is necessary for all of us to demonstrate all the importance of agriculture. To do this, we must not only ensure that agriculture performs; we must promote the performance. Agriculture Month can be an effective way to promote the performance of agriculture as a business, not as a curiosity," said Dr. Chesney.

It was noted that last April, the Heads of State and Government of all 34 countries of the Hemisphere decided that agriculture and rural life are critical to the economic development of their countries.

"Agriculture and rural life must contribute to the reduction in poverty and the maintenance of good governance," Dr Chesney underscored.

He pointed out that the Heads of State and Government instructed the International Agencies to support the countries in this repositioning of agriculture and improvement of the quality of life in the rural areas.

FAO Director-General, Jacques Diouf, in a message to mark the occasion said: "Water is central to the survival of humanity. It is a matter of great concern to all, because of a limited resource shared by a growing population. Water has political, economic, social and ecological implications, but it is above all, linked to food, for 70 per cent of the world's water resources are used for agriculture."

Diouf's message said: "A new water policy is needed, with priority to solutions that avoid waste. Greater mobilisation of civil society and farmers' organisations is fundamental if we are to tackle the water crisis and finally achieve our objective of `Food for All'. Closer monitoring is needed, especially in countries and regions that are affected by drought, so that famine and conflict can be avoided."

He continued: "Tomorrow's world will have enough water if we start managing it prudently today. That is the meaning of the message of World Food Day: Water: Source of Food Security."

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Navin Chandarpal said: "Food security requires a number of basic elements. Food Security also implies condition for growth in developing countries, that their national economies should be re-structured so as to provide jobs and meaningful income which will provide the necessary purchasing power so that they can obtain adequate foodstuff."

He added that food security would also require that technical assistance be given by the developed countries to the developing countries, so that they can be able to overcome some of the barriers that they currently face due to the low level of prices and technological development.

Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh said: "The policy of the PPP/C Government is to invest in carefully-selected, economically efficient projects to capture surface water and to sustainably exploit ground water. The Government recognises that developing new water resources is expensive and may have harmful environmental consequences."

"Our focus is to use water more efficiently in agriculture, industry and urban areas. The misuse or over-use of water at little or no cost, to the detriment of other users and the environment, must not continue," Minister Sawh stressed.

The Minister said: "Water is indeed a critical issue if we are to build a world where every person has economic and physical access to sufficient food to sustain a fit and productive life; where malnutrition is absent; where food originates from effective and low-cost agricultural systems that are compatible with sustainable use and management of natural resources."

Minister Sawh said water is a unique resource and it is directly essential for both crop production and the engendering of human health and nutrition. He added that all resources should be protected and used properly.

Agriculture Minister Navin Chandarpal contends that great progress has been made in the areas of rice and sugar production from a state of serious decline which had existed before the PPP/C government took office in October 1992.

The agriculture minister was addressing the ceremonial opening of World Food Day last Wednesday at the Albion Sports Complex in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

The Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted Chandarpal as saying that there has been a massive gain in rice and sugar production over the last ten years.

"We can see a much greater impact in terms of the export of rice from Guyana. In 1991 the export of rice was 54,000 tonnes and in 1999, Guyana exported 209,000 tonnes of rice. This is nearly four times the amount that was exported in 1991," Chandarpal said.

And in terms of financial impact, the agriculture minister said that "in 1991 rice brought in an income of US$17 million while in 2001 there was a recorded income of US$50 million, which is almost three times the 1991 income."

He said that among the many difficulties which arose in the rice sector, the main ones were reductions in prices and markets. These difficulties, he said, have created a financial problem but the government has taken the necessary steps to assist the farmers.

A rice relief package was established earlier this year to assist farmers with their debt at the banks and was set up after an agreement between the government and the Guy-ana Association of Bankers. Chandarpal said that the package is still faced with some difficulty because "those who are involved are not doing what they are supposed to do to implement the package".

The minister noted that price reductions on the world market had also affected the rhythm of the rice crop along with adverse and irregular weather patterns which prevented some farmers from cultivating during this crop.

In the case of sugar, Chandarpal said there has been a drop in price in the preferential market in addition to heavy competition with prices from competing countries.
"These current difficulties are slowing the pace of development in the key agricultural sub-sectors," he stated.

Contending that the sugar industry had improved significantly over the last ten years, Chandarpal said that in 1991, sugar production was recorded at 161,000 tonnes while in 1999 it was 321,000 tonnes, about twice the 1991 figure.

Overall in the sugar industry, he noted, the target of improving regional markets and sales is a major factor, as well as working in the value-added area to develop and expand the amount of packaged sugar, GINA added.
(GINA)

Food technologist Vashti Warner has endorsed the potential of breadfruit as having great potential for the local food industry, as well as the export market.

Warner, who organised a raffle at the just-concluded GUYEXPO 2002, was making brief remarks at the presentation ceremony where the prizes were cakes made from breadfruit and other local fruits and vegetables. The ceremony was held at the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, in a release from its public relations officer Parmanand Persaud, said Minister Satyadeow Sawh presented the first prize of a three-layer wedding cake to Alicia Rajpaul, on behalf of Vidyawantie Persaud of Essau and Jacob, Mahaicony.

The second prize of a birthday cake went to Neville Duncan, an instructor at the Open Door Centre, while third prize winner, Yvonne Gilbert of Meadow Brook Gardens received a Christmas cake.

Sawh praised Warner and her team for their initiative in utilising local produce, especially when they are in abundance, the release said.

LOOKING for high protein at a cheap cost? Then visit the Upper Corentyne fisherman's Co-op Society at the Number 66 Village, also on the Corentyne.

Whether your choice varies from the sweet- or salt-water products, the Co-op is capable of supplying all your needs, whether great or small.

Some of the varieties obtained from the sweet water and were on display at the National Agricultural Exhibition at Albion Sports Complex on Wednesday were Rock Hassar, Dalwalar, Silver Basha, Pirai, Manari, Tiger fish and shod.

While those drawn from salt water were mackerel, `sea trout’, `pakoo’, `qurman’, `cow fish’ (which is about eight inches long with a half-inch horn protruding from his head), `long cojoos’, `dog snapper’, `hammer head shark’, `kookrie’, among others.

The Upper Corentyne Fisherman’s Co-op society, which was registered and opened in 1989, was very proud to be a part of the National exhibition.

Treasurer, Mr. Parvin Chandra Deodat, felt it is an opportunity for Guyanese and visitors to see what is caught in the Corentyne and neighbouring waters, and also “how we have made ourselves the leading food supplier in the nation.”

Mr. Deodat said that millions of tons are caught annually, of which 90 per cent is exported to Venezuela, Barbados, and Jamaica, to bring in much needed foreign exchange.

Local seafood exporters have been alerted to the impending anti-dumping action which stakeholders in the southern states in the United States have initiated against foreign seafood imports into that country.
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee highlighted this issue during a recent meeting with seafood exporters, noting that the US is one of Guyana’s largest seafood markets. In addition, marine products make a significant contribution to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to a press release from the ministry, the seafood exporters were assured that the ministry “will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.”

Meanwhile, Rohee has advised the exporters to form a seafood exporters association to facilitate more effective representation on trade matters at the national and international levels.

They were also urged to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by numerous trade agreements which Guyana recently signed with third countries, the release said.

It stated further that seafood exporters were informed about the growing demand for speciality foods and encouraged to examine possibilities in this area.

The release also announced that the ministry in collaboration with the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Guyana will soon commence a number of training programmes to assist exporters to get a better understanding of trade-regularised procedures in third countries outside CARICOM.

Some of the issues to be looked at include forestry policies, sociological and economic conditions, conditions and quality of exploitation, research, education and training and post-exploitation survey and treatment.

The four-man delegation, which is headed by Mr Patrick Hardcastle, held discussions Monday with Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh. Those talks focused on the transformation of the local timber industry into a more competitive one especially on the international market.

Hardcastle alluded to the huge potential of the local forestry industry and noted the vast diversity in forestry resources that are available here. However, he pointed out that it is imperative to restructure the sector to move it from its present state of being mainly a producer of primary products to one that becomes a major producer of secondary or value-added products, in order for it to become competitive in international trading.

"In the international trade of timber, forest industries do not enjoy any free lunches," he added.

In the last decade, the international timber trade has changed drastically to one in which secondary products dominate, Hardcastle exhorted. Experience has shown that the effects of recessions are less "violent on cyclical fluctuations" among those industries which are geared towards value-added products, rather than primary products, he emphasised. He noted that value-added products help to insulate against recessionary effects.

The visitor praised the changes that have characterised the restructuring of the Guyana Forestry Commission, (GFC) during the past eight years. He said that "there have been tremendous changes and the GFC is now a completely different and dynamic organisation from what it was before the last eight years."

Hardcastle also acknowledged that legislative changes have taken place in recent times with respect to sustainable forestry practices.

The timber expert observed that Guyana has a large forestry potential, but that accessibility to it is a major difficulty. He advised that in order for it to be successfully tapped, accessibility has to be seen as a challenge, which can be overcome.

Rather than zealously guarding each other's territory, he suggested, there is need for a greater sharing of experiences because no one country has all the solutions to the existing problems in the forestry sector.

He urged a closer cooperative spirit among stakeholders in the forestry sector so that it can attract greater investments in technology and finance, as well as greater collaboration between Government and the private sector.

Another member of the delegation, Mr Kwame Asumedu, also reiterated the great potential of the local forestry sector, but suggested that there is need "to define a new vision and grasp the opportunities and a sound partnership between the Government and the private sector."

He urged that the local industry should become part of the global environment in order to grasp the existing opportunities. The local industries have to "keep in touch" with the changes that are occurring at the international level, he advised.

Sawh hailed the spirit of cooperation existing between the ITTO and Guyana, noting that it has always been characterised by mutual understanding and fruitful deliberations.
(Chamanlall Naipaul)

Farmers of Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) now have a ready market for mutton produced in that area.

Deputy General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) Mr. Neazam Hassan has announced that NGMC is willing to buy 500 pounds of mutton from that area weekly.

According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Hassan made the announcement last Friday while on an official visit to the village with Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh and other officials.

He told farmers that NGMC has an outlet at Lethem where they sell products that are produced on the coastland and the Corporation also purchases items made in the Hinterland.

The Minister and his team's visit to Karasabai was one of the activities planned to observe Agriculture Month in Guyana this year. October each year has been designated Agriculture Month.

This Month allows farmers and all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to reflect on the progress and way forward for the sector.

Addressing residents at a meeting at Karasabai Primary School, Minister Sawh urged that they to work together to continue progress in their village and in the country. He highlighted the developments that took place in the country especially in the Hinterland Regions and urged residents to turn a deaf ear to those who want to reverse progress.

“We are here to help you so that you do not have to ponder for a way forward. We, the Government, pledge to work towards further success in the interest of the children of this land,” said Minister Sawh.

Noting that the Government is always with the people through good and bad times, the Minister said he is impressed with the development in the village and urged that the rest of Guyana take example from that area. The livelihood of that village depends on livestock and agriculture.

Research Scientist of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Dr. Robin Austin told farmers that the landscape in that Region is suitable for the rearing of sheep and ducks. He noted that sheep and ducks could live under extreme conditions.

Farmers in Karasabai are rearing sheep and they have made representations to the Minister to have a male sheep for breeding purposes. NARI will make the necessary arrangements to provide the male sheep for the residents. Residents also raised some of their concerns with the team.

Dr. Austin highlighted that there is a very wide market for sheep and mutton and there will be no problem selling their stocks. He inspected the flock and noted that they are of good quality.

Research Scientist in the Crops Department of NARI, Mr. Karan Singh said he observed that the trees in this area are disease-free and with some training on how to conduct post-harvest management, the products would be of very high quality.

It was noted that NARI would provide technical support for farmers to further improve their farms.

Singh pointed out that the soil types at Karasabai are nutritious and is ideal for the growing of corn. He advised that the corn can be used to feed the animals which will be a cheaper way of providing feed.

The Crop Scientist said that generally there is no problem with crops cultivation and production in Karasabai.

Farmers were further encouraged to practice crop rotation to reduce the use of fertilizers and they in turn asked for help in the marketing of peanuts that are being produced on a large scale in that Region.

Hassan assured the residents that NGMC can purchase some of the peanuts and his Corporation can also work as a facilitator to negotiate other markets.

He added that the producers of local peanut butter would willingly purchase the peanuts from the farmers.

Noting that mangoes are among Guyana's main exports to North America and Canada, Hassan said any amount of mangoes could be exported providing that they are of high quality and landed in Georgetown.

He urged that the mangoes for export should be hard, firm and the skin should be green. Interested persons were urged to indicate their interest so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Villagers opined that the visit to the Karasabai community was opportune as villagers are celebrating Agriculture Month, a very significant and important period for farmers in that Region.

The building was constructed to ensure that vehicles and people crossing the border from Brazil to Guyana would not transfer foot and mouth disease (F&MD).

Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Mr. Satyadeow Sawh and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Mr. Harripersaud Nokta commissioned the facility last Saturday.

The one-flat concrete structure is complete with plumbing and electrical facilities. Vehicles and people crossing the border will have to undergo the necessary prevention methods used at the facility before going further into the country. A drive-in dip and a foot bath will be set up to sterilise animals, people and vehicles that cross the border.

The Government of Guyana and the United States Agency International Development (USAID) funded the project, which was completed within a two-month period. The building was constructed by Contractor Beerdat Harry Nandan.

Regional Chairman of Region Nine Mr. Vincent Henry said, "We are thankful that this building has been set up. This is a good move to ensure that we get back to the top of beef production, since Guyana has already been declared free from foot and mouth disease."

Nokta described the facility as “a stepping stone for the livestock sector in the Region and more buildings like this will be constructed to monitor border activities to ensure that F&MD is kept out of Guyana."

Government, the Minister said, has to put the necessary measures in place to monitor cross-border activities, and he reminded that diseases do not need a visa to travel.

Nokta, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release, explained that about $100 million is being spent to put systems in place to monitor cross border activities and to prevent the spread of F&MD, adding "With this facility, we are one step further towards protection. I hope the development programme will continue in this Region."

"Agricultural resources are important and we should use it to its maximum. You should also protect the building," said Nokta.

Sawh mentioned that Guyana is one in five countries to be certified free from F&MD. This would place the country in a strategic position to export beef.

He reiterated the need to protect the building and urged residents to be the watchdogs to ensure officers take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent F&MD from entering the country.

The Ministers were accompanied by Research Scientists of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Dr. Robin Austin and Mr. Karan Singh; Regional and other officials from the Ministries of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, and Local Government and Regional Development.

A new plant nursery at Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) was last Friday commissioned by Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satydeow Sawh, during a three-day visit to the region by a team from the ministry.

Contractor Ramesh Barker constructed the nursery within twelve days at a cost of $1.6M.
According to Barker, local labour had been utilised for the manual work, thus the money earned would go toward the further development of the village.

Research Scientist of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Karan Singh said that trained personnel would be required to manage the facility.

To that end, he noted the availability of a trained person at Lethem and suggested that two persons be identified from the village that could be trained.

Patrick Atkinson, a resident of the community said that the residents had made a request to the Regional Administration for the facility and they were thankful to the government for having their dream fulfilled. Other villagers expressed thanks for the nursery, highlighting the fact that they will now have access to a wider variety of plants to cultivate.

Sawh was accompanied by Deputy General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) Neazam Hassan, Research Scientist of NARI Dr Robin Austin and other officials from the ministry.

He praised the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) for getting involved in the project and said its late General Secretary, Mr. Fazal Ally must be given credit, too, because he was always pushing for such benefits to planters.

Chandarpal called on RPA officials to work towards similar establishments in other rice growing parts of the country

Current RPA General Secretary, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj said Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) is already earmarked for another and urged the Essequibo beneficiaries to regard the just opened place as their own and manage it in a business-like manner.

RPA Project Officer, Mr. Ricky Roopchand explained that the factory will generate income to ensure its sustainability while being beneficial to rice farmers, as well.

The two-phase undertaking was supported by Building Community Capacity Project (BCCP) through Partners in Rural Development and funded by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The first phase, implemented in May 2000, dealt specifically with the production of seed paddy.

Then the RPA saw the need for the drying, cleaning and storage aspects because producers suffered significant loss due to the lack of such in most of the rice belt countrywide.

Roopchand said the RPA started its seed paddy programme some two years ago with 11 small farmers being contracted to cultivate a total of 32 acres.

The number of contractors has since grown and their cultivation now covers 176 acres, he reported.

Roopchand said Anna Regina can store 7,000 bags of seed paddy and the concrete drying floor could accommodate 200 bags at a time, with three tonnes being cleaned every hour.

Among others at the commissioning were Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo and General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Mr. Jagnarine Singh.