By Saskia Warrick
September 27, 2024
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced that a comprehensive investigation and audit will be conducted regarding the issuance of leases in the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) scheme.
This decision came during a meeting with farmers involved in the scheme.
The Ministry of Agriculture issues leases to farmers to promote agricultural production and development.
Prior to the granting of these lands, recommendations are made by the Land Sub-Committee to the MMA/ADA Board of Directors before they are sent to the Ministry for final approval.
Recent months have seen allegations of misconduct between farmers and agriculture officials concerning access to lease lands.
Minister Mustapha emphasized the importance of the audit, noting that some leaseholders are currently residing overseas and are subletting their lands to local farmers at inflated prices.
While farmers are charged approximately GYD 3,500 for land rental and drainage and irrigation (D&I) fees, it has been reported that these overseas leaseholders are charging local farmers as much as GYD 30,000 for one acre of land.
Minister Mustapha firmly stated that this practice cannot continue, as it undermines the benefits that should be available to local farmers and consumers.