By Delicia Janneire | November 7, 2024
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with farmers and residents from the riverine communities of Orealla and Siparuta in Region 6 yesterday to discuss their pressing needs and explore potential government interventions.
Key issues raised by the residents included access to water, planting materials, improved crop varieties, and enhanced infrastructure.
The meeting, held in both villages, addressed a range of concerns affecting local farmers and households.
Residents requested the provision of water systems to support agriculture and daily living, as well as shade houses for the cultivation of fresh produce.
One community member highlighted the need for 30 shade houses to help supply fresh greens to Orealla Secondary School and improve local food security.
In response to these requests, Minister Mustapha reassured the community that the government was committed to addressing their needs.
He confirmed that fish ponds would be introduced to support local aquaculture, and that steps would be taken to improve water access and road networks in the region.
To address more immediate agricultural challenges, Mustapha announced that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) would supply 20 tonnes of cassava to the community, with distribution coordinated by the Toshao.
The minister also outlined plans to provide 12 shade houses, expanding the President’s Mon Repos initiative aimed at engaging young people in agriculture.
This initiative will offer local youth the opportunity to participate in farming projects that contribute to their livelihoods.
Additionally, the minister promised to provide seeds, planting materials, and other agricultural inputs to support the community’s farming activities.
To further boost local agricultural productivity, each household will receive 20 Black Giant chicks to enhance poultry production.
Minister Mustapha also emphasized that while government support for subsistence farming would continue, there was a need for a shift towards increased productivity.
He noted that the government was working on providing solar-powered freezers for local fishermen to reduce the spoilage of their catch and maximize their income.
The visit underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers and residents in Orealla and Siparuta, with a focus on enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring long-term sustainability in the region.