Timely advice for Guyana

Jun 20, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
Our beautiful country is endowed with many resources. While development is ongoing, I am of the firm belief that if more emphasis is placed on Agriculture we can become a very viable nation. Agriculture is the springboard for development. This blessed country has an abundance of fertile soil and numerous waterways. With these two precious commodities, we can grow our own food. However in spite of the numerous benefits of Agriculture, I categorically feel that much more needs to be done.
Firstly, we need to educate all and sundry about Agriculture. The Government of the day needs to instill in its people that there is dignity in Agriculture. This process needs to commence in all educational institutions from nursery to tertiary. Agriculture must be a separate subject in all Primary Schools. In Secondary Schools, Agriculture should be included in the core Subjects- Maths, English, Social Studies, Science and Agriculture.
In all the streams in Secondary Schools, Agriculture must be compulsory as Mathematics and English. Also in all the facilities at University, students must be made to do Agriculture in certain semesters. The same must be for CPCE teachers.
Also on all the television channels there must be at least a half hour program every day based on Agriculture. Programs must edify the citizens how to prepare, care, reap, and rotate crops etc.
I am saying all this because our education system is spawning a mountainous number of academics. Soon we will not be able to absorb these qualified persons and they will have to use their degrees, to put in local parlance as begging bowls.
However if the required knowledge and importance are thought to our young people they would happily go to the soil and create self employment. Foods will be cheaper in our country and much foreign exchange will be gained. With Government’s subsidies young people will be encouraged do Agriculture which is the vertebral column for our country’s development.
Food is short in many countries. Famine is imminent. Guyana is virtually free from the many catastrophes. Our population is small in relation to the country’s size. We need to transform our wastelands into arable areas. In order to do this I wish to reiterate that we have to start with our young minds and illuminate the awareness of the endless importance of Agriculture. Let us take heed of this little Quote: “If all the Earth were paper, and if all the seas were ink, and if all the tress were numbers, what would you and I have to eat?”
S. Ramroop

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