New Frontiers Agriculture prepares to reap 100 acres of corn
…from Ebini farm
ACCORDING to New Frontier Agriculture, approximately 100 acres of corn are set to be harvested from their Ebini farm, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
The crop, which was planted in July of 2018 as a test run, has the potential of paving the way for the cultivation of two other crops in 2019. Projections show the first crop being 600 acres with the possibility of a larger second crop.
NF Agriculture spokesperson Fabiana Buckley stated that the company is gratified with the results of the test crop, since it confirms the potential of the agricultural lands in the intermediate savannahs.
Buckley added, “We are going to continue to invest in this area as Guyana makes advances in agriculture and other areas.”
With the aim of NF Agriculture being to provide all of Guyana’s local stock market needs by 2020, the company has already sold the first 100 acres of corn to local stockfeed producers.
In a press release, NF stated that they expect to be able to supply the CARICOM market with corn for their stockfeed industry in the near future and as a long-term plan to export beyond the Caribbean.
Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, on a visit to the farm in September expressed satisfaction with the progress being made at Ebini by NF Agriculture.
Holder further said, “I am impressed with the organisation of this farm and this product of high quality.”
According to Buckley, NF Agriculture is committed to providing employment for residents of the Ebini community, adding, “As we grow we are committed to supporting the local community and making direct contributions to substance farmers operating in the area.”
While focusing on high yields, NF Agriculture is also focusing sharply on sustainability, techniques and products that are environmentally friendly. The seeds being used at the Ebini farm are produced using a seed technology that allows the crop to be pest-resistant. This in turn reduces the need for use of harmful pesticides.
The press release also noted that earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NF Agriculture Inc and investors of Lucas do Rio Verde, which will see the commencement of an Agricultural Village in Guyana’s Intermediate Savannahs.
This advancement will see the construction of a state-of-the-art research institute; bioethanol stations; large-scale agricultural production of corn and soybean; and a banking institution, amongst other profitable opportunities for Guyana.
In addition, students from across the different regions of Guyana will gain many opportunities in becoming knowledgeable about the agricultural industry, enabling Guyana to better compete in the agriculture sector on the world stage.
The company, which began work here in Guyana in 2016, has had a positive impact thus far on the surrounding communities and intends to have an even greater impact in the coming months and years.
