Contracts inked for Mon Repos breeding facility

Mar 10, 2011 News

Permanent Secretary George Jervis, and contractors signing agreements for the development of a breeding facility at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

…poultry hatcheries, cow-pens under-utilized -Minister Persaud

The livestock sector has been given a shot in the arm with Government yesterday signing contracts for more than $65M for the construction of facilities and opening up of pastures to improve new breeds of cattle and other small animals.
During the signing of four contracts at the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, it was also disclosed that Guyana is exploring the possibility of exporting beef to Suriname and other neighbouring countries.
The contracts will see breeding pens being constructed at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara; with field and laboratory equipment being supplied for research.
General Equipment Guyana Limited was awarded contracts over $20M; A.S. Woodworking will be supplying office equipment and furniture for almost $12M; International Pharmaceutical Agency delivering lab equipment and Alvin Chowramootoo Construction undertaking the erection of the facilities.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, said that government is plugging over $1.2B into the Agriculture Diversification Programme of which a significant part will be going to the development of the livestock sector.
The Breed Enhancement Programme, under the contracts are being executed, will complement what the private sector is doing countrywide.
Already, to develop the sector, significant investments have been made to introduce new breeds of sheep and cattle with pigs and ducklings also being experimented on.
According to Persaud, recently Suriname’s President, Desi Bouterse, was in Guyana and exploratory talks were held on the possibility of exporting beef and poultry to that country. A Trinidad and Tobago market is also being eyed.
The official acknowledged that while Guyana is doing well for itself, despite a global food crisis, the opportunities of expansion should not be missed out.
So far, Berbice has remained the largest producer of cattle and small ruminants.
Questioned about the country’s potential, Persaud revealed that according to estimations, poultry hatcheries are about 40 per cent utilized while pens are about 65 per cent, a clear indication that much more could be done.