Modernising the agricultural sector

MONDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2010 00:00 MOHAMED SATTAUR

AT THE first World Food Summit held in 1974, the then United States Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, declared that global hunger would be eradicated by 1984. Despite many similar political commitments, the number of people lacking access to the minimum diet rose from 824 million in the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) baseline year 1990 to 1,020 million in 2009. Due to population growth, this upward trend in hunger converts into a fall on the MDG formula. Prospects for achieving the 2015 MDG target are poor. Today, more than one billion people experience the hardship that hunger imposes. This figure continues to rise even amidst the riches of the 21st century. Engulfed within a vortex of population growth, economic instability and climate change, food security has become an urgent challenge for national and global governance. The fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger is established in Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the branch of international law inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Guyana is a developing country which provides strong leadership in the area of food security, having reached the first MDG goal this year. This is a fact which was established internationally in the face of progress in almost every aspect of our agricultural developmental programme. This series of articles published in the midst of Agriculture Month 2010 will showcase the progress made in each area of our agricultural developmental programme. We start with an analysis of the abundant crops we produce. RICE: GRDB * The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) recorded in 2009 the highest area

under rice cultivation (130,080 hectares) in Guyanas history with an average yield of 70 bags of paddy per hectare * The GRDBs Burma Rice Research Unit released two new high-yielding varieties which are adaptable to Guyanas climatic conditions * GRDB improved Quality Control to increase productivity * GRDB initiated a further Amendment of the Rice Factories Act * Training sessions for milling staff on grading and warehouse management resulted in 71 persons being trained * More than 6,000 farmers were trained in the use of appropriate technology and production of higher yielding rice varieties * GRDB collaborated with the GNBS to monitor and verify scales used by millers * GRDBs Extension Department continued its work in the transfer of technologies to farmers * Two new varieties of paddy were also introduced to adapt to Guyanas climatic conditions in line with continued efforts in research and development to bring Guyanas productivity in line with internationally-competitive levels * Increased productivity at the field level through enhanced technologies to improve efficiency, provision of quality seed of appropriate varieties, organised systems for operation and maintenance of Drainage and Irrigation, and high quality support services at both the State and non-State levels. RESEARCH - NARI The contributions of research and development by NARI to the development of the agricultural sector in Guyana for the last five years must be viewed within the context of the current mandate of the institute which is to enhance diversification (species production, systems and products) to maintain food security and increase exports through the acquisition, validation and transfer of appropriate technology to the stakeholders (farmers, extension personnel, exporters, etc.). This has been clearly outlined in the Research and Development Strategy (2008-2012) under the theme Repositioning Agricultural Research and Development to ensure food security and the empowerment of farming communities and to enhance their livelihoods through improved and environmentally-friendly technologies. A summary of the contributions of research and development by NARI towards the development of the agricultural sector in Guyana for the last five years is provided below.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud tours rice plot during during farmers field day at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the National Agricultural Research Institutes sub-station at Les Beholden, Black Bush Polder. IMPROVED VARIETIES AND AGRONOMIC PACKAGES Improved varieties of existing crops were identified both for the local and export markets. Comprehensive agronomic packages were developed for these varieties. These varieties include bora (Yard Long and Long Green), hot peppers (Bullnose Scotch Bonnet), watermelon (Mickylee and Sugar Baby), Hybrid Papaw (Red Lady and Tanyung), ochro (Clemson Spineless) and tomato (heatmaster and F1 Mongol). NEW CROP TYPES New crop types were introduced to satisfy local market demands. These were recommended after several varietal trials were conducted. These New Crop types included sweet pepper (California Wonder), sweet corn (Java), butternut squash, cauliflower (F1 Maya and Farmers Extra Early), broccoli (Green King and Early Value), carrots (Danvers 126 and New Kuroda) and rambutan. All of these commodities are currently being produced by farmers in Guyana. There are about 15 acres of rambutan currently, compared to a few trees, when emphasis was being placed on this crop about three years ago. PLANTATION CROPS Work was initiated with EMBRAPA on the identification of plantation crops such as soybean and cashew for commercial production. Of the 10 soybean varieties evaluated, four have been recommended for large-scale cultivation in the savannahs. Four dwarf cashew varieties have been established in the Rupununi and are being evaluated. About 50 acres of new cashew farms have been established in the Rupununi adjacent the Lethem and Shulinab areas. PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN THE SAVANNAHS Production systems for orchard crops, legumes and small ruminants have been validated, principally for the Intermediate Savannahs. This information is readily available for potential investors in the savannahs. OTHER CROPS

Total exports of non-traditional agricultural commodities for January to July, 2010 reached 7,308 tonnes, compared to 4,912 tonnes exported for the corresponding period in 2009. This represents a 49% or 2,396 tonnes increase in exports from January to July 2009. The value of the exports for January to July 2010 was G$646M or US$3.2M compared to $G163M or US$0.8M for the corresponding period in 2009. OTHER INTERVENTIONS: * Managed the operations of the Central and Parika agro-packaging facilities where 967 tonnes of produce were prepared for export for the period Jan-Jul 2010 compared to 792 tonnes for the corresponding period of 2009. * Prepared 166 export documents for the period Jan-July 2010 compared to 112 for the corresponding period in 2009. * Maintained and updated a Farmers Database. * Exports for the Other Crops sector have increased by 32.4% i.e. from 7,116 metric tonnes in 2008 to 9,423 metric tonnes in 2009. Further, for the first half of 2010, exports currently stand at 7,640 metric tonnes i.e. more than the overall total for 2008 and are projected to exceed that of 2009. These increases have mostly gone to our traditional markets but new markets have also been tapped into since the campaign, such as the Dominican Republic and Aruba. * Further, a comparison of the exports of the top primary products reveals that the exports have increased for most of the commodities ranging from 2.7% in the case of pumpkins to as high as 949% in the case of coconuts when comparing the end year volumes in 2007 to that of 2009. * One of the major projects that falls under the umbrella of the Grow More Food Campaign is the Agriculture Export Diversification Project (ADP US$21.9m). As a result of this project more emphasis is being placed on the Other Crops Sector i.e. the production of fruits and vegetables especially as it relates to value added products within this sector. Thus the Grow more Food Campaign has aided in supporting the growth of the agro-processing sector. * The Ministry of Agriculture has placed greater emphasis on agro processing and has been collaborating with the Guyana Agricultural Processors Association (GAPA), the Pomeroon Women Agro-Processors Association, EMPRETEC, the Rural Women Network (RWN), and other private sector individuals to expand agro-processing so as to reduce wastage. Government agencies such as NARI, GSA, and GMC have been providing research, training and marketing support towards this initiative. * Many young entrepreneurs have started small businesses packaging snack products such as plantain and cassava chips. Many individuals have also started to process products [that would have been dumped or sold at low prices] in their communities. In fact, in many village markets `locally made pepper sauce, achar and other spices are being sold. This has helped to create jobs as well as stimulate economic activity in the villages and has helped to address the issue of import substitution. As a result, at the end of 2009, the value of agro-processing exports stood at $US3.4M. Some of the

major agro-processing commodities currently being exported are: copra, heart of palm, coconut oil (crude), pineapple chunks and sauces. * Current agro processing activities include juice making (TOPCO and NIKKIs Juices) jams and jellies (Tandy), cereals (Banks DIH), pepper sauce and the condiments (PWAPA), etc. The Pomeroon Womens Agro Processing Association has also expanded their range of products to include virgin coconut oil, which is exported to niche markets in the U.S. This has allowed many farmers to have guaranteed market with these private entities through the arrangement of contracts. * Products in the pipeline for which markets exist include bottled coconut water, dehydrated coconuts and other value-added coconut based products. These are in the initial stages of development. Significant emphasis is also being placed on dehydrated products using solar drying technology. Products to be evaluated include dehydrated cassava, papaw, various spices and tomato. Additionally, processing of spices, especially turmeric and ginger, would commence using local raw materials later this year or in early 2011. * Guyana Marketing Corporation manages the ministrys Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) which provides latest market price updates to farmers. At the moment this service is only available to Digicel subscribers. Discussions are ongoing with GT&T and we expect to roll out this service to GT&T subscribers shortly. Using a Digicel phone, a farmer can type the name of the commodity he requires market price information on [in the message area of his phone], and send it to 1010. Within a few seconds the latest market price information will appear in a message on his phone. This will put the farmer in a better bargaining position when the `middleman goes/comes to buy his produce. * Our extension services have been revamped to serve this purpose, to be continually in contact with the farmers, receiving their inputs as we tailor their needs and adapt our research and technology to maximise their production. * In fact, data from the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) shows that in 2007, 67 agricultural projects were being developed and at the end of 2009, 152 agricultural projects were being worked on. * The major commodities exported were rice, sugar, lumber, fruits and vegetables. These commodities were all inspected and Phytosanitary Certificates issued before export. For the period under review a total of 4,518 Phytosanitary Certificates were issued. The number of commercial certificates issued was 3,595, while the total number of non-commercial certificates issued was 923. One thousand and seventeen Phytosanitary Certificates were issued for rice, 1,425 for sugar and 1,153 for lumber. A total of 74 containers were shipped to Barbados. A total of 679 flights were checked and 1,302 ships boarded. * Continued surveillance and monitoring programmes resulted in 947 surveys and surveillances activities being executed to prevent the spread of pests and ensure adherence and compliancewith trade protocols and other international requirements for trade.

* Surveys and monitoring were conducted for: Carambola Fruit Flies, Giant African Snail, Papaya and Pink Mealy Bugs, Red Palm Mites, Mango Seed Weevil and others. The results of these enabled Guyana to maintain trade status with Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. However, it also resulted in the confiscation of citrus fruits imported from Miami, Florida and California. * Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) pest data sheets were submitted to Trinidad and Tobago for 26 crop types for the conduct of the necessary PRA. This enabled Guyana to export these commodities to that country. * Crop Production: Extension officers and agents worked on a data gathering exercise to update the ministrys farmers register to plan production, organise training and ensure productivity. This was done in keeping with the objectives of Crops Production Services to meet the demands of both the local and overseas markets. The farmers data base was further updated during the high intensity rainfall. * Farmers Groups: There was collaboration with other ministries and agencies/nongovernmental organisations (eg Canadian Hunger Fund), farmers groups and association, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Health (Food and Nutrition), Ministry of Education (National School Feeding Programme), IICA, UNDP, faith-based organisations, etc. This collaboration increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of resources for Crop Extension and production. The main aspect of collaboration was in the area of training, transportation and inputs. This translated to appropriate control measures undertaken in relation to pests and diseases, increased production and productivity, and a higher quality of handling and processing of fruits and vegetables. It also informs farmers about the relationship between production, nutrition and the general health of the communities. * One of the major collaborative projects is with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on agriculture and re-vegetation. The project has established nurseries, poultry runs and transferring the information to the community of Mahdia. EXTENSION SERVICES * The cultivation of vegetables and its availability on the market were hampered by El Nio weather conditions. Farmers experienced serious water shortage which had caused problems with crop growth and corresponding yields. * The Ministry of Agricultures several departments, including Hydromet, Crops and Livestock, NDDP, NARI and NDDP, were all involved in outreaches to sensitise and hold discussions with affected farmers. Ministerial group meetings were conducted in various villages/communities affected by the weather condition. Cultivation has significantly rebounded and vegetable production has increased. * Visits were made within regions 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10 to assess the damage caused by the El Nino conditions. Farmers were affected by limited availability of water and as a result production was expected to decrease. This was, however, not the case since the government was able to alleviate the situation with the use of pumps allowing farmers to access water for cultivation.

* The department intensified efforts to ensure crop loss is reduced. This included regular farm visits and the provision of information on crop husbandry for extreme dry periods and relevant cropping technology for climate change impacts mitigation. * Farmers within the Pomeroon District, Region 2 and along the East Coast of Demerara, Region 4 were the ones most affectedby the dry weather conditions. The harvesting ofcoconuts was significantly reduced as the water level in the transport trenches had gone down. * The demand for coconut (water and dry) remained steady; however, supply during the El Nio period dropped. This situation has since returned to normal with weather improvement. The prices and the demand for dried coconuts have increased. Coconuts continued to be exported overseas with the international markets growing significantly. As can be seen, the Ministry of Agriculture deals with a variety of issues affecting the farming community on a daily basis.

Senior Civil Engineer, Ministry of Agriculture Fredrick Flatts greeting a representative of CEMCO after the signing of a $275M contract to improve D&I in Regions 3, 4 and 6 which will foster the expansion of agriculture in Guyana. The provision of research, extension, pre and post harvest services as well as drainage and irrigation and marketing assistance to all farmers across the country is an ongoing task which is managed by the ministry admirably. It is difficult for one who sits in Georgetown and who hardly leaves the comfort of an air-conditioned office to really understand much less appreciate the amount of time and effort necessary to grow something of value. Our farmers have always produced and Guyana has always relied on the farming community to provide food in abundance. This sector performs so efficiently that the farmers are taken for granted. We have been insulated from the world financial meltdown largely because of the work of our farmers as the world food crises did not have a large or sustained impact on our tables. Agricultural development has to be

regarded as a long term investment which takes as much as 30 years to become profitable. We are fortunate to have leaders who take the task of facilitating agricultural development seriously and who are working hard each day to bring prosperity to this sector. The Peoples Progressive Party will always stand with the farming community when the chips are down. We have always maintained that our agricultural sector provides us with the most important staple our nation requires to progress and prosper food security and a way for every farmer to earn an honest living.