Belle West farmers launch Co-op Shop

A large number of farmers from the Belle West Farmers Advancement Network (FAN) Co-op Society launched their Co-op shop yesterday (Sunday).

The group said that the one-hour launch company is to recognize agriculture month, noting that they remain committed and dedicated to ensuring that Region Three can have food security.

Chairman of the Group, Mahadeo Deokarran said that the network, which had some eighty plus members, continues to receive requests from other farmers to join. He said that the work by the farmers thus far is a testimony that persons in Guyana are determined to advance agricultural development.

He related that the process of this network all began in 2012, when he returned to Guyana from Barbados as he had a passion and desire to get into farming.  He said that after feeling convinced in his Christian faith to begin farming there, he quickly got together with a few other farmers and they began farming. He disclosed that there were several obstacles along the way but their growth was a result of determination and hard work.

“In 2012, I made an approach to the authorities at Wales estate and I was deemed as a squatter, but today I am proud to say that I pursued my dream and the vision that his grace to me and it moved from it being a dream to me being regularized. When we were acknowledged as a network, we were encouraged to pursue avenues to get registered as a co-op society. We took several advice and suggestions of getting registered and were so thankful for the guidance and assistance that some persons provided to us,” he said.

The FAN Chairman singled out the support and assistance offered by Charles Brown representative played a pivotal role in us being here at this moment. He disclosed that the support and assistance given by Mr. Brown was enormous as he was always willing to offer help and support to the members. “The enormous support and help given by Mr. Brown was so enormous that we should never forget what he did for us. We are a very proud people today as we are no longer referred to as squatters, but as farmers who secured leases and despite the many challenges and difficulties, we have survived,” he said.

He pointed out that some of the grave challenges being experienced by the group also relates to animals destroying some of their crops. He said that despite there is a variety in farming with some in cash crops, animals and theft by some persons, the farmers are determined to advance and further develop their farms.

The FAN Chairman also expressed appreciation to NICIL and the government for what he said are their willingness and commitment to developing the farmers. “We are confident that this network will continue to be bring about food security to the people of this region. We are very thankful and appreciative of the fact that several Government officials who we have met are impressed and intend to lend whatever support to us growing as a farmers network,” Mahadeo said.

The ribbon of the Co-op shop was officially cut with farmers being able to purchase several farm related products to advance and improve their crop production. It was disclosed that a package of chemicals, seed and fertilizers were put together for startup farmers and were available for 3,900.00 each. Several farmers were urged to take advantage of the package.