IDB commits to continued partnership with Guyana –as Minister Ramsammy outlines five-year agri development plan to officials
Georgetown, GINA, February 28, 2012
Source - GINA
Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, during a presentation to representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) this afternoon outlined the vision for the sector, over a five - year period that is premised on several pillars among which are use of bio and agro technology, development of agro- diversification, water management, infrastructure development and financing mechanisms.
The IDB is a major player in the institutionalisation of programme initiatives, within the sector.
During the discussion, IDB, Decision Chief of the Environment, Rural Development and Disaster Risk Management, Hector Malarin, while acknowledging that agriculture remains a key sector, stated that enhanced strategy and programmes are critical.
He also committed on behalf of the IDB, to continued collaboration with the Guyana Government, towards the successful implementation of its programmes.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy (centre), flanked by Inter American Development Bank, Decision Chief of the Environment, Hector Malarin, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, CEO, Lionel Wordsworth and staff from the Ministry
Minister Ramsammy told the officials that while strong policies are necessary, enhanced drainage and irrigation is also a pre-requisite to the sector’s sustenance, explaining that agriculture is not only about feeding people, it contributes approximately 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
Other pillars for the sector to achieve its goals are: Farming systems and Techniques; Soil Health; Plant and Livestock Protection; Transportation and Storage facilities; Marketing and Human Resources Development; Livestock and Fisheries; Food and Nutrition Security and Safety; Long-term investment in research; Organisational structure; and policies and legislative framework.
“I don’t see it as a vehicle for reducing poverty alone, but developing export potential, contributing to the growth and advancement of Guyana to a next level. The sector can also be seen as a bio-fuel source,” Minister Ramsammy.
The Skeldon sugar factory, according to the Agriculture Minister is already producing electricity, while the Wauna Plant, Region One is generating bio- fuel which is currently being used to operate vehicles in the region.
He called on the major players within the industry to ‘up the ante’ so that the country can avoid the importation of food, allowing the country to reach the high-middle income status.
However, while the inputs and initiatives by Government remain fruitful, Minister Ramsammy stated that the assistance of the private sector is also vital, if the country’s agriculture sector is to be transformed over the next five years.
Last year, the National Food Security Strategy was launched with the aim of increasing food production. The ten-year strategy is directed at improving the food situation of a country and its populace.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth outlined some of Government’s flood mitigation plans for the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary areas.
He added that the project which falls under the NDIA’s flood mitigation master plan is expected to improve drainage and irrigation countrywide.
“The country is currently 1.4 meters below sea level and to effectively drain water off lands remains a challenge for the NDIA. This has forced us to implement measures, which will be beneficial in the long-term,” he said.