Issuu

Tending to a torn seine (Photos by Delano Williams)

By Michel Outridge

OR Rahamood Bacchus, spending time on the Atlantic Ocean is a way of life, as that’s how he’s been making his living for the past 50 years. And it all started when he realised that he wanted to be his own boss, since working with people was not working in his favour. Now 79, Rahamood told the Guyana Chronicle that his health is beginning to fail because of eye problems; that he is yet to see a doctor, but is pressing on so as to make ends meet.

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

A day in the life of a

fisherman Looking back, Rahamood said it all began to come together, when, after working tirelessly for 13 years in the ‘backdam’ as a labourer, he felt he’d had enough; that things weren’t working out, and it was time he tried something else; maybe fishing perhaps. With that in mind, he saved up enough money to buy himself a small wooden boat and an engine, and take it from there. He’s the first to admit that being a fisherman is no easy task. Tending to his fishing nets as he took a trip down memory lane with the Guyana Chronicle, the father

RISKY BUSINESS “The thing about fishing is the tide,” Rahamood said. “And if you don’t know what you are doing, you can end up in trouble because of the rough water. Or you may go and fish somewhere you are not familiar with, and might get robbed by pirates. So it is a risky job, but I do it anyway.” As he said before, it’s all about the tide and location, if you want to have a good catch. “As a fisherman, you must know that; and where your luck is, you go,” Rahamood said. Mind you, it’s not a high-paying job either. Some days you get little or no fish; other days may be good.

dren all grown, he’s now finding life a drudge. “When your children get big,” Rahamood said, “they leave. And sometimes they do not look at you, and you are left alone to fend for yourself. “But life goes on, and I get along somehow. But I wish I could get some help, you know. Being out there isn’t easy.” DEADLY SEA CREATURES As to some of the challenges fishermen face while at sea, Rahamood says the one that readily comes to mind is running into such deadly sea creatures as the sting ray, the sea bass or the

itself cost $50,000. Seines are also expensive; his cost him more than $70,000. Then there is the cost of ice, which can amount to $3,000 or more per trip. He said that based on the tide and how far out to sea one goes, ice is bought by bulk to help keep the catch fresh until it is sold. THEFT This fisherman told the Guyana Chronicle that he has no choice but to sleep at his shack in Riverview during the week because of theft. And even though he is there physically, he yet has to secure his seine, engine and boat because if it is left

of nine said that a fisherman is a patient and hardworking man who spends hours, days, and sometimes weeks at sea just to make ends meet, weathering from rain, to gusty winds and strong tides. He’s learnt a lot over the years, he said. These days, he pretty much goes out to sea alone, spending a few hours on the water catching whatever he can, depending on the tide. The furthest he’s ever been to fish, he said, is to Leguan, all the way up on the Essequibo River. He doesn’t go out to sea after dark, as it’s not safe.

Rahamood Bacchus at his little shack behind Riverview

But whatever the catch, it is sold at the wharf at Meadow Bank, be it wholesale or retail, depending on the amount of fish, and the buyers. He operates from a little shack behind Riverview, in Ruimveldt, just a stone’s throw from the Ruimveldt Police Station. He goes out to sea Monday to Friday; on weekends, he goes home to Cummings Lodge, on the lower East Coast, to relax. Since his wife passed away some 15 years ago, he’s been living alone. “And that’s not easy!” he said. But he has managed to cope somehow. But with his chil-

The humble abode of a fisherman

sea devil. And the reason he is so afraid of these sea creatures is because the consequences can be deadly; you can lose your life out there. “One sting or bite and yuh dead! And if they get into your fishing net, is trouble to get it loose! “Other than that,” he said, “ I am not scared of being out in the Atlantic Ocean alone, because I get used to it. And it is my simple way of life.” Another challenge, he said, is the costliness of the business. His engine alone, he said, set him back $170,000, while the boat

unattended, you may never see it again. He said that theft is prevalent in the area, even though there is the Police Marine Section and the Coast Guard base not very far away. It was observed that the village is overrun by drug addicts and other unsavoury characters who are unemployed and prey on fishermen and other unsuspecting persons. Rahamood said a day in the life of a fisherman consists of hard work and patience without any great returns but it is a job after all that not many take up.

Bacchus’ fishing boat moored on the sea dam at Riverview

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Seeing agro-processing for what it’s truly worth

--as the key to revitalising the ‘agri’ sector By Gabriella Chapman

is that it creates an environment that would work T’s no secret that agritowards the decreasing of culture is the backbone the unemployment rate of Guyana’s economy, amongst our young people. and as such there can Just last month, two never be too much emphasis Guyanese, Shanicia Belplaced on boosting the sector. lamy and Unetta Pollard, At one point, particularly were affordede the opporin its post-colonial history, tunity to attend a semiGuyana was widely regarded nar titled ‘Agricultural as the breadbasket of the CaProducts Processing and ribbean, but its ability to retain Trading for Developing that title somewhat dwindled Countries’ which was held as the years went by. in China, and funded by But as every proud Guythat country’s Ministry of anese would know and attest, Commerce. the potential is still there, as The two young womthe Government of Guyana en have since reported Shanicia Bellamy,left, and Unetta Pollard with the certificates along with private institutions that they were able to obthey obtained during a short training course in China and individuals continue to serve new agro-processwork assiduously to get Guying machinery in action; and vegetables; promote how much potential the ana back track. analyse the current status economic and trade net- country has in terms of the working and cooperation; produce we have readily and, of course, experience available to us. first-hand Chinese culture Among countries repand traditions. resented at the seminar Pollard said that during were Antigua, Bangladesh, the training period, partic- Belarus, Ecuador, Ethiipants were able to visit opia, Malawi, Panama, and observe agricultural South Africa, Sudan, Suscience and technology riname, Tajikistan, Tonga, demonstration bases; Chi- Uganda and Zimbabwe. nese new rural construcThis aided in the extion demonstration bases; change of knowledge as and some relevant modern it relates to the differagricultural technology ent practices, which both research, education and Guyana representatives promotion departments in- said they enjoyed most. side and outside of Hunan Both Bellamy and PolProvince. lard are quarantine officers Bellamy, on the oth- at the National Agriculturer hand, noted that they al Research and Extension both acquired knowledge Institute (NAREI), and on agricultural products have committed to sharing processing, products pack- the knowledge they would aging and distribution, have gained while in Chistorage, and modern tech- na and encouraging more nologies. farmers to explore the In addition, they also processing industry, so as gleaned pertinent informa- to add value to their fruits tion on processing, mar- and vegetables, while inket outlook and feedback, creasing their income and foreign trade and refined boosting the country’s Some of the graduates of the agro-processing training course with, seated fourth right, Minister of Culture, Youth management to meet the economy. and Sport, Dr. George Norton; Youth Director, Melissa Carmichael (seated third right); Senior Economic demands of the market, There is a lot more to Empowerment Officer, Samuel Saul (fourth left); and Acting CEO of GSA, Dr. Dexter Allen (third left) and to add value to agri- be done with regards to cultural products. practicing agro-processYOUTH And though several areas per growing. and developmental trends This experience that ing on a large-scale baEMPOWERMENT in agriculture are being target“ We h a v e t o c h a n g e of China’s agricultural was afforded them, both sis, but efforts are being Three years ago, the Min- things, and you the youths products processing ined and revamped, the one that girls said, opened their made that will eventually most needs to be highlighted istry of Presidency’s Depart- must lead the way in this.” dustry; become familiar eyes to how much Guyana see the agriculture sector ment of Social Cohesion, is the agro-processing sector. Senior Economic Em- with modern preservais lagging behind in the spiral into its fullest poCulture Youth and Sport emAccording to the experts powerment Officer, Samuel tion technology for fruits agricultural sector, and tential. on the subject, agro-process- barked upon an innovative Saul, who was present at the ing is the focus on product exercise, whereby it joined ceremony, spoke on the imresearch and development for forces with the Guyana School portance and timeliness of the the transformation of local of Agriculture (GSA) to host programme, in that produce into value-added ag- a few youth empowerment the idea of having our ricultural products, as well as agro-processing training pro- young people involved in the transfer of technology for grammes. agro-processing arose from a To date, 101 youths from visit made by a team of minisagri-business development to improve income generation across the country would have terial officials to the Pomeroon benefited from those pro- in 2015. and food security. In simpler terms, it is the grammes, which, just two He said that while there transformation of primary agri- months ago, saw the grad- in the Pomeroon, the team cultural products, what we call uation of the last batch of observed that there is a certain the raw product, into processed participants. amount of wastage in terms At that graduation cer- of fruits and vegetables. They commodities. emony, Minister of Social By so doing will save Guyfelt that some of that wastage ana the burdensome expense of Cohesion, Dr. George Norton could be curtailed through the having to import products they urged the batch of graduates use of agro-processing, so they have the ability to produce and to use the knowledge they thought it fit to venture into export, which will in turn help would have gained to become this programme. boost the agriculture sector and their own bosses. He told them the country’s economy as well. that with Guyana fallen prey EMPLOYMENT In his address to the House to excessive imports, its only BOOSTER hope of ever returning to its last Wednesday, President He stated that apart from David Granger said that the former glory rests on their boosting the agriculture secgovernment, through agro-pro- young shoulders. and alleviating wastage, In his own words, Minister tor cessing, is promoting increased one of the importance of Some of the items made by the participants of the agro-processing training Norton said: “Unfortunately, agricultural output, reducing being in agro-processing programme at the Guyana School of Agriculture (DPI Photo) crop loss, stimulating village somewhere along the line this

enterprise and economy, and generating employment. “The Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibitions (RACE) demonstrate the positive impact of this policy,” the President said, adding: “Exhibitions showcase the industry of hundreds of small agro-processors and farmers engaged in producing and packaging a wide variety of products, including cashew nuts, cassareep, cassava bread and flours, cereals, chocolate sticks, coconut water, coconut oil, coffee, condiments, confectionary, copra, crab oil, dried peppers, essence, farine, fruit juices, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, peanut-butter and many others goods.”

bountiful country of ours fell prey to excessive imports. “Many of you might not remember the days of ‘Buy local: Grow more food’ that was the household slogan here in our country, a reality that we should never lose sight of.” Stressing that such a fate should have never befallen a country as blessed as ours, Dr Norton said: “Guyana is too rich to be importing products; we must never have to be importing coconut water. “And it has become ridiculous to see us importing plantain chips. I’ve seen peppersauce made in Trinidad being served at the table where, just looking through the window you could have seen the pep-

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Excited Reg. 9 farmers just raring to go

--after learning about marketing, packaging

Farmers and producers from Lethem, Shulinab, Karasabai, Quarrie and Aishalton with the bottles given them by the GMC

Story and photos by Lisa Hamilton

FTER just one day of training in product marketing and packaging, several groups of farmers in Guyana’s Rupununi region are excited to improve on their business products. The training was provided last Thursday in the town of Lethem, seat of administration for Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) after they were told of the need for such an exercise in that jurisdiction. The batch of some 18 persons, most of whom were women, came from Lethem, Shulinab, Karasabai, Quarrie and Aishalton. Some of their products included jams and jellys; cassareep; sorrel wine; honey; and pepper sauce. “We did training in marketing, packaging and labelling and product development,” said GMC’s Hinterland Regions Crop Extension Officer, Jo-Lee Walton. She explained that the training helped villagers to be presentation-ready at the Regional, Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE), which took place the very next day, and saw in attendance President David Granger. “Last year the President

was very adamant about upgrading the standard of our products, the labelling especially, and it was in hopes of seeing that improvement becoming a reality,” Ms Walton said, adding: “What we would have done is create labels based on the information given, because GMC generates nutritional facts. It normally comes at a cost, but it’s something we gave to them for the purpose of the training.”

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS Telling of the progress achieved in so short a time, Walton said: “Before, they used to use recycled bottles. They would wash them and try to clean them, but you know, that’s not the standard that we want. “Their labels used to be handwritten on regular paper, so it’s a bit of an improvement for them. We helped them to bottle their products and seal it.” Confirming what Walton said about what obtained before was Genevieve Murray, a farmer from Karasabai. “In the past, the women who make the cassareep would put it into rum bottles; they would mostly go for the small ones because it’s cheaper,” she said. According to Tehanita Baretto, a famer from the Quarrie Farming Group: “Labelling is something very important for our products

when it comes to marketing. If our product is labelled properly, we will be able to communicate with our consumers, so that they can know what they’re buying.” She, like the other women from her group, was very thankful for the training, and is now motivated to improve the group’s product labelling definitely by the next RACE. “I believe that through this programme, through this exhibition, other women and other farmers in Quarrie and Karasabai and all the other farming areas can see how agriculture is important to us here,” Baretto said. “We should be able to do far better at the next exhibition we’ll be having.” The GMC, upon completion of the training, donated 140 bottles of four different sizes to the groups to give them a headstart with their businesses.

GMC’s Ms Jo-Lee Walton (right) with Genevieve Murray (centre) and Tehanita Baretto (second left)

DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY And according to Ms Walton, pretty soon, the GMC hopes to get the farmers or producers there to move away from the tradition of “spontaneous producing”. “What people don’t realise is that marketing starts from the conception of the idea, while your second thought should be who’s going to buy it,” she said. “Our farmers and our business people, they tend to just have an idea and

Some of the products, all packaged and labelled

produce, and then you don’t know where you’re selling it so you’re always looking for markets. “So, the training helped them to be more rounded in that aspect, and to understand that the success of their business depends on them; not on anyone else,” she added. Walton said, too, that

being in-between Georgetown and the hinterland; she often otherwise assists the village producers by submitting their business registration and returning it to save them the transportation fees. This, she is also willing to help the producers with when it comes to the purchasing of their bottles even

as Walton plans to expand the training to other hinterland communities. Meanwhile, Baretto remains hopeful as she smiled and said: “We are very happy to know that this is an opportunity for us as farmers to grow and we are growing and we hope to do better in the future.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Our point

‘eggs-actly’! --Edun Farms is ‘Sim ply the Best’

UST think about eggs, and immediately comes to mind the name

Edun! Yes! Edun Eggs has become a household name in Guyana for over 20 years. Combining entrepreneurship with a process of continuous innovation, the Edun family has successfully managed to become the largest producer of eggs in Guyana. This was made possible through hard work and dedication, and a passion for perfection. With a well-integrated system comprising Hy-Line parent stock, a

hatchery, and a feed mill, the company is assured that their farms are supplied with quality chicks; chicks that are fed a nutritionally-balanced diet from well-formulated feeds. Their hens are provided with the best care to produce the finest eggs, which are loaded with nutrients and minerals. Edun Eggs are sold in all leading supermarkets in packages of various sizes, ranging from four and seven, to 12, 15 and even 30 eggs. EGGS-CELLENT NUTRITION Eggs are one of the

few foods considered to be rich in protein, because they contain all nine essential amino acids. They also chockful of minerals, and are an inexpensive meat substitute. They’re also a good source of nutrients for:

THE EYES: Lutein

and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in egg yolks that can promote eye health as you age.

MUSCLES: Eating

20 to 30 grams of protein from foods like eggs, promotes muscle recovery following exercise.

STOMACH: Eating

eggs at breakfast can keep one energised until lunch, without the annoying hunger pangs. Researchers suspect that the protein in eggs is what helps keep people feeling satisfied.

BONE: Eggs are one

of the only foods that naturally contain Vitamin D, a nutrient critical to bone health.

BRAIN: One egg is an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient critical to fetal brain development and brain function. Eating eggs may also be associated with improved cognitive perfor-

mance in adults.

H E A R T: Research suggests that eggs can be part of a heart-healthy diet. A recent review has shown that eating eggs may reduce the risk of stroke by 12%.

BLOOD: Research has also shown that dietary cholesterol from eggs does not negatively

impact blood cholesterol. In fact, eating eggs may increase one’s HDL “good” cholesterol. In summary, Edun Eggs are nutritious, versatile, conveniently packaged, and affordable.

best!’

T o quote the renowned T i n a T u r n er, they’re ‘Simply the

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

No more business as usual --Coconut water vending now governed by strict int’l standards By Rabindra Rooplall

T may take some getting used to, but word on the street is that from here on in, it will be no more business as usual where the vending of coconuts and coconut water is concerned. According to Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David, coconut farmers, harvesters and vendors here will now have to abide by

regulations governing the coconut industry; regulations that are identical to the ones used by the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). In an interview with this publication, David said that in order for the local coconut water industry to facilitate trade among CARICOM member states and other jurisdictions, local manufacturers of the bottled product will need to provide objective evidence that they are

conforming to the minimum requirements. Among those requirements are the Guyana Standard, GYS 508:2013, which speaks to ‘The Specification for Packaged natural coconut water’; and the GCP 30:2013, which speaks to ‘The Code of Practice for Packaged natural coconut water’. The ‘GCP 30’, David said, was developed with the aim of streamlining the coconut water industry by defining requirements for the hygienic prepara-

tion of packaged natural coconut water. This Code of Practice, he said, makes recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water, in that it details the harvesting, packaging, storing, transporting and distributing of the product. For example, under ‘Harvesting’, the Standard states: “The free-fall of coconuts should not be allowed; coconuts should be lowered to the ground.” Proper harvesting tech-

niques, it is said, ensure minimal or no damage to the coconuts, thus contributing to an untainted end product. The Standard also provides guidance as to the location, internal structure and fittings, floor design, drains, windows and doors of buildings and facilities for processing coconut water. PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION The ‘GYS 508’, on the other hand, was developed to differentiate the production of undiluted natural coconut water; that is, coconut water which has been packaged in its natural state without the use of additives. According to the Standard, additives can be considered “… artificial substance or ingredient added to the coconut water to enhance quality or preservation.” This Standard also includes analytical parameters or limits for composition of the coconut water; physiochemical limits for coconut water; and microbiological limits for coconut water, which all provide objective evidence and the necessary assurance that the product is conforming to the recognised requirements.

Additionally, the Standard also gives guidance for the labelling of natural coconut water, which essentially means that “the name of the product shall be Packaged Natural Coconut Water.” Said David: “For coconut water processors who desire to guarantee their customers that they are producing coconut water which is safe for human consumption, these standards are for you.” As he went on to explain, the GNBS is a key agency that supports trade and enhances business competitiveness through the implementation of standards. “Standards,” he said, “are primarily voluntary, but they play an important role in Guyana’s economy by facilitating easy business interactions, and confidence in the products and services emanating from the various sectors.” Over the years, he said, the GNBS has been zealously advocating for local food man-

GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David

ufacturers, food operators and agro-processors to purchase and implement the national food standards which it has available. The majority of these food standards were developed from regional and or international food standards. Hence, their contents are in harmony with regional and international requirements. With a resurgence in the demand for coconut products globally, and consequent interest from investors, Guyana is anticipated to double its current coconut production within a few years, and quadruple it by 2025. NAREI PROJECTION Raymond Trotz, National Coordinator of the International Trade Centre (ITC) said that according to data from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), there are currently over 25,000 acres of coconut trees within

Guyana. And, based on advice from GO-Invest, indications are that investors are interested in increasing that number by about 27, 500 acres over the next few years, and to as much as about 100,000 acres over a ten-year period. Through the European Union (EU)-funded programme, ‘Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean (CIDC)’, Guyanese farmers have been benefitting from training related to marketing, food safety, extension support, coconut production development and business training. Guyana is one of 11 Caribbean countries to have benefitted from this initiative, which was implemented locally in 2015. The first phase of the programme will be completed this year, and is being administrated by the ITC, in association with its implementing partner, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Tumeric:

The

spice

life

--for the farming community of the North West District

The turmeric processing factory at Hosororo Hill, North West District (MoTP photo)

By Alva Solomon

LMOST a year ago, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) commissioned its $18M turmeric factory at Hosororo Hill in the North West District. Today, the factory has processed in excess of 7,341.36kg of fresh turmeric rhizomes. The processed turmeric is being sold to local company, Edward B. Beharry Ltd, and farmers in the area have earned close to G$1M from their produce, which is processed at the factory. During a visit to Region One (Barima-Waini) recently, farmers at Kumaka, a business community at Mabaruma, the administrative capital, told the Guyana Chronicle that many persons have been tilling the soil, as they believe that the factory will bring added benefits to the region in the long term. Some are even expanding their farmlands, as they anticipate greater yields. Dr. Oudho Homenauth, NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer re-

Inside the turmeric processing factory (NAREI photo)

lated in a release issued by the agency that it has plans to install a solar dryer, considered a ‘green’ initiative, at the turmeric factory to increase drying capacity. “This will allow the factory to increase the amount of turmeric that is processed,” the release quoted Dr Homenauth as saying. Farmers along the riverine communities in the Aruka and Barima Rivers told the Guyana Chronicle that the factory was commissioned at an ideal time. At Morawhanna, a ground provision farmer related that he used to sell his stock of turmeric roots to middlemen over the years, but there was not much profit in the trade. He said that he often suffered losses after transporting his turmeric to Kumaka and could not find a buyer. The farmers have since started supplying their produce to NAREI. Residents of Hosororo Hill have noted, too, that persons in the area who moved away from farming in the past have been considering returning to the land. At the moment, most of the farmers who

supply the factory hail from the river-side communities within the Mabaruma sub-region, but residents in the hilly areas said that they are considering planting turmeric. The factory’s operation includes a generator house and a storage facility where the processed turmeric will be stored before being exported out of the region. Across the hill from the factory, NAREI operates a demonstration farm, where approximately 10 acres of land have been utilised for planting the spices and other crops. According to NAREI, some 50 acres of turmeric are being cultivated by 30 farmers in Region One, but the agency expects the acreage to increase to as much as 150 acres to satisfy the local demand. Guyana imports almost US$1M in spices annually, but NAREI aims to reduce this figure in the long run. According to Dr. Homenauth, through public awareness, continuous training and the provision of quality planting materials, more acres of various spices will be under cultivation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Beekeeping’s ‘a sweet small business’ --as young Alessa Hodge would come to find out By Vishani Ragobeer

AD you told her two years ago that she would fall in love with beekeeping, 29-year-old Alessa Hodge would not have believed youone bit. Why would she? She was scared of bees! Then recently, Hodge, who is an Environmental Health Assistant with the Linden Mayor and Town Council, heard about a beekeeping workshop and decided to check it out. “This beekeeping workshop lasted for two weeks,” Hodge said. “I went into it having no knowledge of what it was, and I was so afraid of bees.” Little did she know that after the two weeks she spent at the workshop, the results would be sweet. She made contact with the Guyana Apicultural Society (GAS) and started exploring the field some more. But what really enticed her was when she visited the farm, and actually saw how the whole process goes down. So, she acquired four hives and began beekeeping. She lives in Kara Kara on

the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and though her farm is also on the highway, it’s a far distance away. And her hives need to be checked every two weeks. “For a first-time experience, I was a bit fearful,” Alessa said. “And the thing is, when you fear the bees, they will sting.” After the first few weeks, she got accustomed to the bees and their energy. Then, tragedy struck! She lost all four of her hives! That sure put a dent on her production plans, because she first had to catch the bees back. And she was only able to catch back two hives. It takes four to six months before harvesting can take place. During that time, after getting back her hives, she persisted and in August this year, she had her first production of honey. In another four months, the other two hives will produce. Harvesting, she explained, was different from just checking up on the bees, as the insects were “extremely angry” at this point. After several precautions and getting over her fears, she said, “I’ve gained an income because of the rearing

of bees.” She was also able to harvest other by-products from the honey, which she uses to make soap and candle. She does not make these on her own, however. With a successful first harvest behind her, Hodge says she is now excited to continue in the field. As a matter of fact, she is even looking to invest in more hives so that she can scale up production. “On my first production, as soon as I brought it to Linden, it sell off like almost right away,” the budding apiarist said. She explained this was so because many persons are becoming more cognisant of the many health benefits of honey, and its use as a sweetener in the place of sugar, which can lead to diabetes if consumed excessively. And already tapping into a niche market, she related, “I’m looking to produce on a large scale to supply my entire hometown of Linden, and then even export overseas.” Her advice to anyone considering taking up beekeeping is that it becomes very easy, once you get over

any inhibitions you might have. She also explained that as with any venture, knowledge is important; and you have to keep educating yourself to refine your craft. “I would like to see more young people like myself come on board, and let’s make this honey production not only local but global,” Alessa said, adding that she is even looking for partners to join her in business, because she has enough land to go around.

Honey produced by Hodge on her firt outing

Hodge dressed in her protective gear and with her smoker at the ready as she visits her apiary

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

Agriculture Minister, Mr Noel Holder handing over one of the trophies to one of the winning schools

PTCCB drama final blows audience away

HE performances of the finalists in the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board’s (PTCCB) Secondary School drama competition on Thursday were nothing short of expressive and informative. The audience agreed that this year’s presentations rivalled past acts. Delivering the feature address at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Minister

of Agriculture Noel Holder urged the students to promote the proper use of pesticides to avoid endangering human health and the environment. “Pesticides have the potential to harm the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system, and is linked to illnesses such as Cancer and Alzheimers. Therefore, it is important that as future leaders, you are involved in such activities, to better understand

and advocate what you have learnt,” the minister said. He also commended the students for their participation, saying: “Everyone has a role to play in the dissemination of information regarding the proper handling and use of pesticides.” Minister Holder said the government recognises the importance of reducing the negative impact of misuse of chemicals, hence its full support of the

PTCCB drama competition. This, he said, is in keeping with the government’s ‘Green State Economy’ agenda. The initiative undertaken by PTCCB aims to educate the public about the dangers of pesticides and the hazards they pose to human health and the environment by targetting the nation’s future leaders PTCCB Registrar, Trecia

Scenes from the PTCCB drama festival final

David highlighted that 10 Secondary Schools participated in the drama competition from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. The winners of the competition were Soesdyke Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary, St. Cuthbert Secondary and Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary which received $125,000, $100,000,

$75,000 and $50,000 respectively. The Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary School also took home a trophy for their social media piece. According to Ms David, to date, 78 secondary schools across the country have participated in programmes undertaken by PTCCB.

10A

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

The critical role of women farmers in Guyana --Just as agriculture empowers women, so too are women empowering communities

By M Margaret Burke

HERE can hardly be any doubt that women are transforming global communities as they get involved in one of the oldest trades of the world: Agriculture. The very nurturing nature that is expected of, and occurs naturally in women is what is making the difference in agriculture. With more and more women turning to agriculture, the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADN), a registered NGO that operates mainly in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), is right there behind them, as the primary aim of this vibrant organisation is to empower its member groups, specifically through improving their entrepreneurial skills. The Network is also a member of the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP).

WADNET GUYANA Some of WADN’s members are drawn from women agro-processing groups, all based in rural communities in Guyana, some which are: The Blue Flame Women’s Group; Helping Hands Women’s Products Cooperative Society; Waini Naturals; and the Pomeroon Women’s Agro-Processors Association, just to name a few. These women’s groups came together in August 2001 and formed the women’s network, and have been moving by leaps and bounds ever since. In the Pomeroon, the roads are the rivers; large and deep rivers bordered by land filled with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and large amounts of coconut plantations. There can be seen women in a lot of the front rows, manning their farms, and working in the agro-processing arena.

LEADERS IN THE FIELD As some of WADNET’s members told the Guyana Chronicle, “We are not about to make fun; we intend to work hard and to see success. Farming is not a man’s job; it is work for everyone who wants to make an honest living. “There are times when it can be really a challenge, but it is also fun; fun to see the fruits of your hands. “When you can see a huge harvest before your eyes: Giant water melon and other fruits; lovely sweet potatoes, cassava, plantains and so on; then some of us are able to harvest bountiful from our coconut farm to carry over into agro-processing.” The women explained that they are not in competition with the men; that rather they have their own roles to play, in the home and also in the fields, and that as women of WADNET Guyana, they hold

their own and are very comfortable with what they do and the results they achieve time and time again. AGRO-PROCESSING While there are many WADNET women involved in agro-processing, some of the outstanding ones are Rosamund Benn, a member of the Pomeroon Women’s Agro-Processors Association. Ms. Benn, who resides in Grant Wide Gardens on the Pomeroon River is involved in farming as well as agro-processing. She explained that as a result of being involved in a women’s group in Charity village, she was exposed to the making of virgin coconut oil, which she is now doing on a commercial scale. She is also involved in the making of regular coconut oil, coconut cassareep, and other products. Ms. Vilma De Silva, co-founder of WAGNET, Ms. Roseamond Benn showing some of WADNET’s products to Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder at a recent exhibition held at IICA

WADNET members. From left are Dawn Reynolds, Roseamond Benn, Denise Thomas and Administrative Officer, Jennifer Spencer. With them is one of their young and promising members

is also a vibrant worker in the industry. Well known to many in the coconut industry, especially in the area of coconut water and oils, she has been working on helping keep the industry alive, sustainable, and to a large extent profitable. Also famous for her creative agro-processing work in the area of juices, wines, liqueurs and local fruits for cakes and other delicacies is Ms. Venessa D’Aguiar of Sirikie, also in the Pomeroon. Ms. D.Aguiar has seemingly perfected her skills in the making of preserved sorrel, carambola, acai berries and other fruits. At the same time, she is now able to make about 12 different fruit wines, including manicole wine, and juices, as well as making a wonderful acai berry liqueur. “I have most of the fruits to my disposal for making

from fruits to wines,” Ms D’Aguiar said. “I even have the machinery at my disposal, and this makes my work so much easier, and I am very thankful,” she added. Meanwhile, many other women are continuing to join and expand the group of farmers in many other parts of Guyana. These include the Mahaicony-Perth Village Association, and women farmers of Victoria, Buxton, Mahaica, St. Cuthbert’s and other villages. As woman farmer, Selena Dowding posited: “Women are not just primary caregivers within the home, school and hospitals, but in every sphere of life. “They have long been able to help sustain rural economies; they are bread-winners, and they are quite able to provide the bread, from seed to table.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

RICE IN ... One method of climate-smart rice cultivation is the incorporation of straw into the soil. Traditionally, farmers burnt hundreds of thousands of acres of paddy straw annually. This new method has benefited both the farmers and the environment, since rice straw, when incorporated into the soil, adds organic matter and several important nutrients such as NPK, which improves the soil structure and increases beneficial micro-

organisms. NPK also helps reduce air pollution. CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES Rice cultivation using climate-smart methods includes sowing at the recommended time to maximise the period of high light intensity, which enhances pollination and grain filling. Another climate-smart method is the treatment of seeds before broadcasting in the fields. When seeds are treated as

recommended, it reduces the infestation of early-season pests and minimises the use of chemicals, resulting in the preservation of beneficial insects, or natural enemies, that help control paddy bugs. Farmers can practise climate-smart farming, using recommended control methods in such cases as the management of slugs in the fields. One such control method is the erecting o f sticks around

the paddy fields, so as to encourage birds to feed on the slugs. The GRDB, having recognised the necessity for healthy living, has conducted research on valued-added rice products that can be produced right at home here in Guyana. One such product is bread and pastries made from a blend of rice and wheaten flour. Rice is gluten-free, and also a good source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and dietary fiber. It is usually

consumed by person who are gluten-intolerant. During the first half of the year, the GRDB released a new paddy variety called ‘GRDB 15’ for commercial cultivation. The ‘GRDB 15’ is an early-duration variety that matures between 105 to 110 days. It is resistant to the rice disease, Blast, and if cultivated using recommended agronomic practices, farmers can harvest between 7.0 to 8.6 tonnes

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per hectare, or 45 to 55 bags per acre. Farmers that used the ‘GRDB 15’ variety in the second crop of 2018, harvested as much as 57 bags per acre. The ‘GRDB 15’ lodges between 0-1%, and has an average grain length of 9.7mm. The GRDB continues its mandate of ensuring the growth of the rice sector through its research, extension, quality control and marketing departments.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , AGRICULTURE MONTH SUPPLEMENT, Friday October 26, 2018

RICE IN GU

…All about climate-smart, healthy living in a ‘green’ economy

HE rice industry in Guyana continues to see significant improvement, from cultivation to marketing. The growth of the industry is due to the persistence and dedication of all stakeholders. Despite the challenges of the changing environment and global market adjustments, the sector continues to perform favourably.

Adapting to the vagaries of climate change is a challenge that the industry cannot escape. As such, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been providing farmers with training on adaptation measures. In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the GRDB teaches rice farmers how to cultivate paddy under climate-smart conditions.

The project, “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation of Good Practices” was conducted in several paddy cultivation villages in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Under this project, farmers have gained immense knowledge on how to adapt climate-smart good practices, from land preparation to harvesting. Turn to page 11A

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Minister of Agriculture, Mr Noel Holder (right), and GRDB General Manager, Mr. Nizam Hassan sampling bread made with 20% rice flour.