Region 10 farmers to supply agro-processing facility at Watooka

A farmer of Region 10 showcasing his produce

A state-of-the-art agro-processing facility at Watooka, Linden, is expected to be commissioned soon which will establish a stable supply ground for farmers in the region struggling to market their produce locally. Farmers are also encouraged to use the facility to add value to their produce.

The Ministry of Agriculture is on a mission to empower these farmers so that they will have the capacity for output. Last week, during a visit to several communities in the region, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said farmers are set to receive agricultural inputs, including black giant chickens, seedlings, motor tillers, and acoushi ants’ bait to ramp up production. Twenty black giant chickens will be distributed to single parents and vulnerable groups within the communities.

The distribution will be done at the ministry’s head office in Georgetown on Wednesday.

Minister Mustapha engaged farmers in the communities of Christianburg, Block 42, Moblissa, Yarrowkabra, and Kuru Kururu. He assured them that the government is committed to moving Region 10 to a self-sustainable region.

The agriculture minister reminded the residents that Regions Six and Ten have been identified for the lucrative hemp production.

“Linden is an area that can become an economic hub for us…We are looking to start a lot of cooperation and collaboration. We are looking to do a lot of investment for Region Ten. This is a gateway to the interior for us. We can develop this area and make it a model for the rest of the Caribbean. I will continue to work with you,” he underscored.

**Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha addressing the concerns of a farmer**

Minister Mustapha emphasised that all-around developments are in the works for Christianburg and surrounding communities to expand production which will help to offset household expenses.

Teams from the Guyana Manufacturing Corporation (GMC) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will visit the communities monthly to develop a strategic programme to enhance development.

The minister also urged interested youths to form farmers’ groups so that the government could help them advertise and grow their businesses. (Edited from DPI)