Region Six – Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud on Friday held a meeting with Region Six farmers to keep them abreast with developments pertaining to their region including a rehabilitation project for which $308M has been allocated.
This project will pave the way for a total expansion of agriculture in Region Six through the provision of improved drainage and irrigation structures, as Government seeks alternatives to offer assistance to communities.
The interactive session which was held at the Crabwood Creek Sports Complex, Region Six, also saw the Agriculture Minister highlighting some of Government’s plans for the area during 2011.
The meeting commenced with an update on the project that is currently 85 percent complete, and which the Minister credits to the good governance and investments by Government over the years, as it relate to infrastructure.
Minister Persaud pointed out that as the project comes to an end, it is important to have feedback from farmers and residents, since they are the immediate beneficiaries.
He also lauded the farmers for their dedication and commitment, noting that thus far, a significant amount of new and abandoned lands has been brought under cultivation, to complement government’s drive of diversifying non-traditional sectors of the economy.
This amounted to in excess of 12,000 acres of new lands being brought under cultivation, over the last two years.
“I wanted to get from you before the project closes, what you think might be outstanding, not when the project has been wrapped up, we hear this wasn’t done right and I have asked the project staff as well as the consultants to meet directly you to get your feedback,” he said.
Minister Persaud said that since the investment in the project substantial progress has been recorded thus far and noted that a system of maintenance is developed in order that farmers continuously benefit, hence there can be improved production and productivity.
