Farmers of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region are now better equipped to harvest their cassava crops, following the donation of a harvester to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
The equipment was handed over by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, the Hon. Valerie Adams-Yearwood on Friday.
During the simple handing over ceremony at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s Head Quarter, Mon Repos, Minister Adams-Yearwood highlighted that the pledge to deliver to the Region Nine farmers was made October last, during the Farmers’ Symposium held in the district.
“Most of the farmers in region nine plant cassava and we have a large a large intake of cassava being used in Guyana coming from that region,” she noted.
According to the Minister, the harvester was handed over specifically to the RDC to ensure equal utilization by all the farmers, while adding that it receives maximum maintenance at all times.
Accepting the gift on behalf of the farmers, Region Nine’s Regional Agriculture Officer, Dr. Darren Halley, said the area is outfitted with 1,170 registered farmers and there is a production of 2,100 kilos of cassava yearly. “I will ensure that this equipment will be used properly,” he remarked.
Chief Technical Officer George Jervis and, Technical Officer of the Rural Affairs secretariat Gavin Glen also witnessed the handing over ceremony.
(Text and Photo by Department of Public Information)
