Mustapha raises Buxton/Friendship farmers’ hopes

AGRICULTURE MINISTER ZULFIKAR MUSTAPHA RAISED
BUXTON/FRIENDSHIP HOPES when he pledged certain upgrades to key drainage and
irrigation (D&I) systems in the East Coast Demerara village.
The promise by the government official is part of wider plan to resuscitate and developing the
agriculture sector of the community.

One of the farmers raising an issue during the meeting[/caption]

“We want to reach with other farming groups in Buxton so that we can have one body. If we are
fragmented, we will not be able to utilise the little resources that are available. I hope when the
engineer visits, members of the other groups are made aware so that they can be a party to that
visit,” one of the farmers explained.
He continued, “My impression is that most of the farmers do not understand the layout of the
village and its drainage and irrigation system and how it was designed. So collectively, I think
we could use the information we have available and get better results. All of the farmers did
suffer…during the flooding. I want to suspect that there was some over-topping by the estate at
Annandale and beyond the crown dam”.
He said about 400 acres beyond the crown dam are currently used as pasture.
“I don’t think the structure is in place for that right now. I do hope when we are addressing this
the other groups are involved so that a more comprehensive approach can be taken,” the farmer
explained.
When they met with Minister Mustapha, they disclosed at members of the various farming
bodies have been in dialogue with specialists from the National Agriculture Research Institute
(NAREI) to identify a demonstration plot they can use to teach farmers how to grow and manage
the cultivation of crops like ginger, turmeric, and other non-traditional crops.
“Right now, there are a lot of opportunities that exist in the agriculture sector for small farmers.
We are pushing for the production of a lot of crops. Our extension officers are working with
farmers to enhance their production and in a smarter way. With climate change taking place, we
cannot do agriculture the way we used to. We are also building a number of packaging facilities

so that farmers can package their produce and make it more value-added,” Mustapha told the
farmers.
“If we are going to really develop the sector we cannot work in isolation. We have to
involve everyone. If farmers need help, as Minister of Agriculture, I will work with you,”
Mustapha assured.