Agri research activities bring forth new farming technology

In 2012, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) continued to empower farming communities through accessing improved technologies to enhance productivity to ensure food security and export capacities. This was accomplished through research, technology transfer and training.

In this regard, the activities conducted were in tandem with the goals of the Ministry of Agriculture to promote and enhance food security, and increase exports and diversification.

NAREI initiated a research study to determine more effective ways of water management for vegetable crops. The study was designed to determine if the use of drip irrigation can reduce the amount of water needed for cash crops.

NAREI collaborated with Mc Gill University on this project through which 10 research plots, five in Parika and five in Black Bush Polder, were established in farmers’ fields. The studies involved the use of drip irrigation to promote year round vegetable production. Three treatments (field capacity, 75% field capacity, control) were utilised.

The crops targeted were bora, boulanger, peppers, watermelon, red peas and cabbage. By the end of 2012, recommendations were made on the quantities of irrigation water needed as well as the timing of application to ensure maximum production is achieved for the various vegetables. The next season will see drip irrigation combined with mulching.

Black Sigatoka is a global disease that has been creating enormous damage for the plantain and banana industry throughout the world. Like in many countries of the Region, Black Sigatoka Disease has had a major impact on the production of plantains and bananas in Guyana.

A drip irrigation system (internet photo)

Management of the BSD affecting plantain/ banana production was given prominence. With the assistance of the FAO, an action plan was developed for the management of BSD in Guyana. Demonstration farms were established in the major plantain growing areas such as Crabwood Creek, East Bank Essequibo to illustrate the various management strategies to be employed. These included the use of IPM Strategies and cultural control for which results have shown that these strategies, once successfully employed, would make a positive impact on plantain production. This programme will be further intensified in 2013 with the full implementation of the Action Plan.

In 2012, NAREI’s efforts were directed at sustaining control of the ant-mealy bug complex. Experiments were initiated for the development of an integrated management system for the control of the ant- mealy bug complex of pineapple. Results showed that the use of the Imidacloprid (insecticide) in collaboration with trap crops (ochro/ sorrel) were successful in reducing ant and mealy bug population compared with the use of insecticide alone.

This technology will be disseminated to other pineapple farmers and this is expected to lead to a reduction in pesticide use.

With regards to training 5,476 farmers countrywide participated, 4,247 of whom were from the coast. Farmers were trained in pest and disease management, appropriate agronomic practices, crop and water management, which enabled them to become better equipped to improve their production practices.

Surveillance and surveys activities were conducted within Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 primarily for Carambola Fruit Flies and its complexes. Passive Surveys continued for Papaya mealy bug, the Pink mealy bug, and the Mediterranean fruit fly, while active surveillance activities were maintained for the Carambola fruit fly.  These activities were conducted to ensure that exports of agricultural commodities are maintained pest free. Further, the use of traps on farmers’ fields, especially in the Pomeroon area, resulted in a reduction of fruit flies and nullified the use of insecticides.

Ten additional demonstration farms were established to promote improved production practices. These farms have been established at St. Denny’s Mission, Orealla/Siparuta, Seafield, Moraikobai, Trafalgar/Union, Limlair, Kwakwani, Friendship/Sandhills, Mon Repos and Parika. The establishment of these farms would serve as an impetus for other farmers to adopt, especially to promote year round production of vegetables.

In collaboration with PAHO/WHO, a school farm was established at St. Ignatius Secondary school comprising shaded and open field cultivation in combination with drip irrigation. Apart from demonstrating improved production practices and year round production, supplies from the farm are being used to supplement the dormitory facility of the school. Vegetables such as poi, pak choi, tomato and bora are currently being used by the school kitchen facility.

With respect to diversification, work continued on refining the production practices for West Indian Red and Scotch Bonnet Peppers, which are required by agro-processors. Further agronomic packages were refined for other crops such as red cabbage and new sweet pepper varieties.