By Samuel Gillis
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, conducted a meeting with residents and farmers from Tuschen and surrounding communities in East Bank Essequibo yesterday.
The engagement focused on addressing several pressing concerns raised by the local farming community.
During the meeting, participants voiced issues related to land clearing and water supply.
A farmer from Zeelugt East requested assistance with land clearing for planting crops such as potatoes and cassava, highlighting a need for either financial support or machinery.
Another farmer raised concerns about the quality of irrigation water, reporting that dirty water had been a persistent problem throughout the year.
Despite these challenges, Khemraj Narine, Head of the Zeelugt East Farming Group, expressed gratitude for the government’s previous support and hoped for continued assistance.
In response to the concerns, Minister Mustapha assured the community that the government is committed to addressing the issues raised.
He highlighted that interventions would include clearing farmlands and drainage canals to improve agricultural conditions.
Minister Mustapha emphasized that such community engagements are vital for national development.
He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has been able to fulfill approximately 1,500 commitments and is working on an additional 300.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to following up on concerns raised during these meetings and to improving agricultural infrastructure and support across the ten administrative regions.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to addressing local issues and enhancing agricultural productivity through active community involvement and support.