Canal Polders women farmers boosting sustainable economic opportunities – through Green Initiative project
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, November 24, 2014, Source - GINA
Today, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker officially commissioned three projects under the Canal Polders Green Initiative (CPGI) to the tune of $1 million each. Two of the projects are in Clay Brick Road, Canal Number Two Polder and the other in Lesperance, Canal Number One.
This US$41,500 project, which targets primarily women is part of the Canada funded Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) Programme aimed at providing sustainable economic opportunities and increasing farmers’ productive capacity in the Canal Polders through the demonstration, application and use of hydroponic technology.
During a simple commissioning ceremony at Clay Brick Road, Minister Whittaker underscored the importance of collaboration in order to ensure farmers get the support that is needed to increase productivity.
The vegetables which include, pak choi, parsley, celery, lettuce and mustard are organic and reach a niche market.
Minister Whittaker explained that the project allows farmers to farm under conditions of pest and disaster control and will eventually replace the traditional method of farming.
Guyana is heavily dependent on agriculture, and Minister Whittaker said that the focus has always been on the traditional crops, rice and sugar; however Government has determined that it needs to diversify.
“Government has determined that it is not wise to put all of our resources into one basket. We want to put our resources into other areas, like peas, and pumpkin…we did take off on some projects and were faced with a number of challenges,” Minister Whittaker pointed out.
Among some of the challenges were climate change and global warming, and the issue of pests. Minister Whittaker said that the project is timely, in that it comes at a time when Guyana is in the process of implementing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
The beneficiaries also benefited from training sessions in greenhouse technology which saw over 35 farmers benefiting.
Naioni Rambarran, a beneficiary expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana and its partners for initiating such a project which will significantly benefit her and allowed for increasing her income.
The minister further noted that the ministry will be providing the Neighbourhood Democratic Council with tractors and trailers to assist the farmers.
CARILED is a six-year programme which was launched in May 2012, and is being implemented in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6. It is funded by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) and targets the development of business-friendly environments in which micro-small and medium-sized enterprises can prosper.
Guyana was among one of seven Caribbean countries chosen for the implementation of the programme.
Healthy lettuce, parsley and celery in a greenhouse at canal number One Polder
Source - http://www.gina.gov.gy/home/in...n-initiative-project
Lazy people need to get off their "seating arrangement" and do something progressive like these women rather than complain all day on GNI. Agriculture is very important and profitable. Take off your suit and get dirty and make life better for yourself and family.
