– new model farm in Tarlogie, the establishment of shadow houses in schools to increase the pace of this process, promote sustainable practices

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha inaugurated Tarlogie’s first model farm in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday, showcasing agricultural and animal husbandry practices in a controlled environment.

The model farm, which is the second of its kind in Berbice, is expected to play a crucial role in demonstrating innovative agricultural and livestock practices. The model farm is also expected to serve as a hands-on learning environment for students and teachers-in-training.

Minister Mustapha, at the commissioning ceremony, said the aim is to establish a model farm in each region, with four already developed.

“A model farm is very important; (supports) sustainable agriculture, research, innovation and modernization and that is what we are trying to achieve in the agricultural sector. I want this model farm to be a place where students will come regularly, where farmers will come regularly.”

He instructed the coordinator to ensure that visitors are trained and educated on the planting of new crops being introduced into the country, urging those gathered from the ancient county to make full use of the model farm.

Mustapha also announced that every school in the country will benefit from the construction of a shadow house, giving students hands-on experience in various agricultural practices.

He stated that the perception that farming is for someone who has not attended school or is a low-paying and low-status job needs to be changed. “Agriculture is the most important activity for all of us; without agriculture we cannot have food or we cannot have food security.”

Mustapha pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries that were financially stable faced challenges in procuring food for their people “because there was a drop in food production during that period; countries produced food for the needs of their population.”

He stated that in the last four years, the agricultural sector has become one of the most attractive sectors in the country and the region. “People are adopting agriculture because today it is more important to achieve food security.”

The minister stressed that every Guyanese has reason to be proud of the country’s agricultural sector, especially with President Irfaan Ali leading the charge within CARICOM. He stressed that CARICOM leaders support President Ali’s proposals, recognizing them as practical and achievable.

“With farms like these, what we are doing here now, in the history of our country, we have never had these farms where we can enlighten the youth. We want to make sure we make agriculture more modern, more resilient so they can embrace agriculture.”

Mustapha stressed that his ministry has partnered with the private sector to secure investment and has already started expanding almost all crops introduced by the country’s forefathers, with production reaching an all-time high.

“The government is investing, infrastructure is being developed, canals are being built…”

The Minister of Agriculture mentioned that one of the key objectives is to make the agricultural sector more attractive to attract more young professionals in the field.

“We are modernizing and Guyana is an important player. We want Guyana to be a good hub, that is why we are expanding every sector in the agricultural sector.”

Meanwhile, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Poonai Bhigroog pointed out that 21 days ago he challenged the minister to develop a model farm for the people of Region Six.

“I am very happy to stay here. Farming in today’s world is done so differently, and while we’re getting there, we’ve got a few more ways to do things.”

He emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture fully understands the importance of food security and appears to be working aggressively to improve and modernize agricultural practices. He told the gathered students and residents that agriculture is a highly profitable profession as he urged them to use technology when engaging in the sector.