Vice President gives $100M in fertiliser to Region Three farmers

On Friday, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced that government will be assisting farmers across the Essequibo Islands- West Demerara, Region Three, with some $100M in fertiliser support.

Dr. Jagdeo in addressing a large turnout of farmers at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) bond, he noted that in order for everyone to benefit equally from the assistance, a 15-member committee will be established with representatives from every community.

It was noted that technical officers from the Agriculture Ministry and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) were instructed to visit the communities to identify eligible individuals to form the managing body.

Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that Government has already assisted a number of farmers in Regions Two, Five and Six, through the programme.

The Vice President disclosed that persons cultivating along the Essequibo Coast received $250M in fertilisers, while in the Mahaica-Berbice and East Berbice – Corentyne regions, $300M in the in fertiliser will be distributed respectively.

Dr. Jagdeo stressed that the initiative is set to cushion the effects of the rising cost of agriculture inputs.

It was revealed that the funds will be made available from the $1B announced by President, Irfaan Ali, to purchase the fertiliser for free distribution across the country.

VP Jagdeo noted that farmers were encouraged to work collectively and purchase the fertiliser at the cheapest cost, but with good quality. He said that they would then determine the amount of fertiliser to be distributed to a farmer, based on demand.

Dr, Jagdeo added that since assuming government on August 2, 2020, the PPP/C Administration has spared no effort in putting together a slew of measures to boost the nation’s agriculture sector.