Agriculture sector gets $20.3B …to help in diversification drive, job creation

Some $20.3 billion have been budgeted for agriculture as the Government moves to position the sector by 2020 as a wealth generator and entrepreneurial enterprise, producing food and non-food commodities to meet local needs and the needs of regional and international exports.Finance Minister Winston Jordan said issues of national and regional food security mandate that Guyana must diversify into new crops and open up new lands for agriculture in areas not prone to flooding.

“The promotion of non-traditional agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing alongside the commodities that have traditionally dominated our agricultural landscape must bear fruit in coming years. The Government, therefore, remains committed to the promotion of agricultural diversification initiatives, while also restoring the competitiveness of the traditional agricultural sectors,” he told the National Assembly during his budget presentation on Friday.

The Ministry of Agriculture has adopted a strategy which focuses on five Fs: food security, fibre and nutritious food, fuel production, fashion and health products, and furniture and craft.

“Mr Speaker, in this budget, we are putting forward a set of practical action plans (that are) linked to measurable targets in all of these five areas. In total, $20.3 billion (have) been allocated to the agricultural sector, to create an economic environment in which farming and agro-processing operations can grow the economy and create employment. To this end, in excess of $598 million (are) allocated to enhance diversified agriculture in the hinterland riverine communities and (in) the Intermediate and Rupununi savannahs.

“Mr Speaker, diversification will make our agricultural sector more resilient to economic shocks. The Government proposes to establish several research, training and extension facilities in such locations as Ebini, Hosororo, Manari and Bina Hill, to promote sustainable food production systems that can help maintain the ecosystem and strengthen the capacity for adaptation to climate change, drought, flooding and other disasters.

MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN
“Mr Speaker, as the agricultural sector moves forward, our traditional industries — sugar and rice — must not be forgotten. Although GuySuCo surpassed its 2015 production target, the industry is threatened by weakening sugar prices, aged machinery and high production costs. In 2016, the Government will inject $9 billion to assist the industry in its recovery and modernisation programme.

Similarly, though surpassing its target last year, the rice industry remains challenged in terms of cost of production and competitiveness. The Government will continue to support the industry to access new trade partners following the collapse of the lucrative Venezuelan market,” he said.

Minister Jordan noted that livestock production is another important industry within the agricultural sector. The Government intends to re-energise the cattle industry through the development of a milk pasteurisation plant.

Additionally, plans are underway for the development of 4,000 acres of state lands situated in Region Nine for the purpose of constructing an agriculture station. This station will serve as a pilot for the sustainable harvesting of surface water for agriculture in this region. The land will be utilised for the rearing of cattle and small ruminants; aquaculture; and planting of rice and vegetables.

The livestock sub-sector will be further fortified with increased focus on animal health, to address known and emerging diseases, the Finance Minister said.

BLESSED
He emphasised that Guyana is blessed, not only with lush growing conditions, but also with bountiful rivers and the sea, and an increased focus in the fisheries sector will see promotion of the sustainability of the marine fishery resources through continued efforts to attain Marine Stewardship Certification for the seabob sub-sector.

This, the minister said, will be complemented with the full implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System on all trawlers and the enforcement of no-trawl zones and the harvest control rule.

The Government will also support innovation in sustainable aquaculture and inland fisheries sector with research and promotion of new marketable species.

And as Guyana prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee Year, Minister Jordan said, the occasion gives Guyana the opportunity to welcome visitors, new and old.

Later this year, a four-day Jubilee Festival will be held at the National Stadium, complemented by local events across the country showcasing Guyanese musical, cultural and craft traditions.

Marketing efforts will focus on campaigns such as the ‘Home Coming Guyana’ initiative, which will be targeting the Guyanese Diaspora.

Other events planned for 2016 include the Coconut Festival, an agri-tourism event promoting coconut products and the development of their value chain.

The Government has also engaged the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) to guide the production of tourism satellite accounting to generate meaningful data about the industry, including its contribution to GDP.

“Going forward, the Government will develop an operational plan to realise the intent of the recently revised National Tourism Policy, which will lay a foundation for tourism development and ensure collaboration between Government and all stakeholders.

It will focus on areas such as bird watching, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife watching, community-based tourism, sports fishing, sports tourism, yachting and cruise visits, entertainment and events and heritage/cultural tourism. This policy and operational plan will emphasise the role of tourism in providing jobs and economic growth throughout Guyana, but especially in the hinterland, the Minister said