Farmers in La Retraite now have renewed confidence to expand their operations after meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon on Wednesday.
Among those seeking assistance was 18-year-old cash crop farmer Brian Cooper, who raised concerns relating to drainage and access affecting his ability to bring produce from his farm to market.
Minister Ramkissoon directed engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to assess Cooper’s concerns and move towards an intervention, while also offering assistance to help the young farmer prepare for financing through the Guyana Development Bank (GDB).
“We will work with you… so that you can have the lands clear. You can go on the lands, and you can farm, you can produce,” Minister Ramkissoon told farmers.
For Cooper, the intervention provided immediate relief after he struggled with maintaining his farming operation. The 18-year-old has been farming for three years, producing Pak-choy, lettuce, celery, cabbage, pumpkin, bora, okra and squash, among others.
“I feel much better. I feel a great release, because my stress is done. Finally done,” Cooper said.
He said access to financing could also help him strengthen his business and encourage more young people to view agriculture as a viable livelihood.
“I feel that the loan can help me to become somebody good in life… You can encourage more young people to do farming, cash crop farming, all kinds of farming,” Cooper said.
During the meeting, other farmers raised concerns including land clearing, drainage, farm access roads, bridges, irrigation, planting materials, equipment and agricultural inputs.
Minister Ramkissoon instructed the relevant agencies to compile the farmers’ requests and conduct assessments, with a phased approach to interventions.
He also encouraged farmers to strengthen their newly formed farmers’ group, noting that organised clusters could provide opportunities to access financing and technical support.
The minister is expected to return to the community within the next two to three weeks to review progress on the issues raised and the interventions being pursued.