What does Guyana have to celebrate this Agri Month?

Oct 17, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
I thought long and hard before deciding to pen this letter. This month, as Guyana knows and as the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, so proudly proclaims, is Agricultural Month, and really it should be a time for the country and Guyanese farmers to celebrate. But should we?
Government in recent years went on a campaign to encourage farmers to plant more.
We, as farmers, are too well aware of the uncertainties of farming in Guyana. From the weather to market to other certainties, the farmers were left to bear the brunt of it, never mind the loans from IPED or the losses from flooding or drought because of the inefficiencies and favouritism from drainage folks.
We were told to grow more. For what?
A few months ago, very quietly, Government issued 12 licences to businesses for the importation of one million pounds of chicken. It also issued licences for the importation of one million pounds of pork.
There are several things wrong here. Not only did Government not confer with the farmers to find out what is wrong, it took a decision without even thinking of the repercussions. Government said that it is looking out for the consumers.
Well, ministers, what about the farmers? We have invested millions of dollars…in infrastructure, in feed, in labour and equipment, and in baby chicks, piglets, etc etc…Do we have anything to celebrate this month?
It is a fact that we are getting lots of mortality and stunted growth in the chicks. This has been blamed on the poor feed and poor baby chicks. Many pig farmers are telling us now that chicken and pork is being smuggled from neighbouring Suriname.
We are not hearing much from our Ministers except how good things are. I bring the points above to highlight the challenges we are facing.
There is no evidence to suggest inspections at the hatcheries and at Stockfeeds. Where is the Guyana Livestock Development Authority in all this? There were talks about huge support from the authority to farmers when it was launched. It seems to have gone underground. Farmers are left to fend for themselves while decisions, and unilateral ones at that, are being taken by the almighty powers that be.
It is a fact that many farmers are now pulling out because of losses that could have been easily avoided if there are more regulations and if government is serious about improving agriculture. We have land. We need your help. But it seemed as if there are only talks. If only the Miniser of Agriculture could hear the cries of the people on the ground, then he will understand.
I do expect the Ministry to come up with excuses on how things are rosy and how many combines people are buying.
What does farmers have to celebrate this month?
A highly frustrated farmer

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