Region Ten to get agro-processing facility

– farmers urged to expand agri practices

The Government will soon be establishing an agro-processing facility in Upper Demerara – Berbice (Region Ten) to increase the production of value-added commodities there. This is among several major agricultural opportunities that would be made available to farmers and residents.  

Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha announced this initiative on Thursday, during a Cabinet outreach to the Region.

“We are now trying to secure a building in Linden to have agro-processors store and package their produce, so that they can have more valued-added product and to ensure they sell overseas and also out of Linden,” the Minister said, during the engagement at Watooka House.

He said the initiative would create employment and provide training opportunities for persons within the Region.

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation would also be engaged to provide assistance, even as the Government moves to revamp operations at the entity.

“We also have an initiative at NAREI where we have secured almost $15 million in shade house materials, which we are now selling at a minimal cost,” Minister Mustapha added.

Already, Government has awarded a $150 million contract to create a conservancy at West Watooka to provide adequate irrigation to cultivated lands.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall urged residents and farmers of Coomacka and its environs to expand and get involved in livestock and cattle rearing. (DPI)