Agri. sector set for take off

May 26, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I write in response to a letter entitled “The agriculture sector is not doing well” which was published in the newspapers.
For my following of agriculture locally and aboard, Guyana seems to be on firm footing, despite the views expressed by Michael Maxwell who seems to be out of touch with the reality as it relates to agriculture development within Guyana.

I may be mistaken, but is seems that Maxwell have a personal problem with the Minister of Agriculture and not the actual movement or development of the agriculture sector. Reference was also made of the EC deadline and a clarification was issued about the misconceptions of GuySuCo not meeting the EC deadline. The EC also failed to acknowledge its fault in the agreement.

We must look at both sides of the story to give a true reflection of the matter.
Maxwell should visit farming communities and inspect projects undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The agriculture sector has been transformed over the past few years; this is a fact despite the many challenges whether globally or by the effects of climate change.

The sector is very unique with many challenges and opportunities which we must recognise. Hence, I urge Maxwell to have a firsthand assessment of what agriculture was 10 years ago against what it is today. Guyana is food secure and has been exporting to neighbouring sister CARICOM countries and other overseas markets.
Whilst there are many challenges before us, I strongly believe we will be prepared for any eventuality. Does Michael Maxwell realise how affordable fresh vegetables are on the market? In other countries prices are exorbitant and in some cases citizens who cannot afford die of hunger.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, approximately one billion people in the world suffer from hunger.
Further, I urge Michael Maxwell to make more meaningful contributions to the letter section of the daily newspapers rather than attempting to criticise the efforts of the government who are assisting farmers that put food on our tables every day.
A. Joseph