A GINA feature – August 19, 2012 -- Source - GINA

Moco Moco, an Amerindian village located in central Rupununi, Region Nine is on its way to becoming a very successful community, with large-scale level agriculture and its tourism potential.

With assistance from the German Bank kfw, a farine factory will be developed shortly, which will also generate funds for future investments and create employment for the 400 plus residents.

A mini waterfall in Moco Moco, Region 9

Newly elected Toshao, Mark George is certain that the project when completed will significantly develop agriculture in the region.

“Despite our location, the opening of this factory will be something good for Moco Moco. We will be able to supply the demand … for farine in our village and once the market is there, to other parts of our region and country,” he said.

Moco Moco residents at a meeting with Government Officials

Farine, an Amerindian food used as a main course meal or a side dish; is made from the substance that remains after the cassava juice has been removed. It is then sifted and parched and ready to be used.

Rice and Beans

Another venture by the Government to boost livelihood in Moco Moco, is the Rice and Beans project which was launched by former Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai.

The $128.6M project which was launched in 2009, according to the Toshao, has been a stepping stone for the village, as many have been gainfully employed, while food production remains bountiful.

Rice being harvested at Moco-Moco Village, Region Nine

The project is currently in its third phase. When harvested the rice is sold to residents within the area for $2500 and $4000 elsewhere. The money accrued is used to invest in the next crop.

“Since this project started, I have found it to be a good thing for the village. It has the potential to be developed on a large scale basis, because we have the land in abundance and powerful machinery to do the job,” he said.

While the land is there for residents to make full use of, and equipment compliments of the Ministry of Agriculture, George still thinks that more work needs to be done in the experimental aspect of the project, and for the technical officers to be aware of hinterland soil type.

“Working with the Ministry of Agriculture has been good over the years. We have had assistance in many forms for our cultivation to continue, through the assistance of seeds, cassava sticks and planting materials,” he said.

Moco Moco Nursery School

The project, which was dedicated to the memory of the late Minister, Dr. Desrey Fox is aimed at developing savannah agriculture to increase crop production. During the first phase, 82 acres of rice and 10 acres of beans were cultivated.

A bond was also constructed to store the equipment, machines and chemicals.

Peanut butter factory

Residents have benefited from the peanut butter factory tremendously, with the opening up of market opportunities, regionally and internationally. However, there is still need for higher prices to be paid for the commodity.

This, according to the Toshao is necessary, as the demand is tremendous and requires more manpower.

George maintains that as a new Toshao, he will work to ensure that beneficial projects are developed and approved by the relevant authorities, to ensure that the village is developed.

Moco Moco Primary school

“Being a new Toshao it is a learning experience for me, but I am going to work hard and with the support we have been receiving from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, we at Moco Moco will be on the map very soon, as a thriving community, full of potential,” he stated.

The Presidential Grant of $1M will be used for the completion of several projects including a village house and a craft shop.

George who is married for seven years and speaks fluent, English, Portuguese and Macushi also disclosed that proposals to boost their village’s tourism have been approved by the Ministries of Tourism and Amerindian Affairs.

This will see an upgrade to the facilities which currently exist, offering locals and tourist a once in a lifetime opportunity, to sample the wild, while at the same time learn about Amerindian culture.

The Toshao’s dream is to feed the whole of Rupununi by year- end and the country by mid 2014, from the village’s Cassava project.