Farmers have descended on the Ministry of Agriculture forcing Minister with responsibility for the sector Zulfikar Mustapha into long, unscheduled meetings. Not only have farmers contended recently that the cost of spare parts are sky high but after three years in government and four of the “biggest budgets” in Guyana’s history farmers are now plagued by poorly maintained infrastructure.
The Minister of Agriculture encountered an angry mob of farmers on a recent visit to Crabwood Creek on the Corentyne Coast as he was summoned to discuss issues faced by the farmers who are hurting badly under a PPP-administered economy. More and more farmers have had to cede acreage due to high costs of production.
With the pinch being felt by farmers in the pockets, all the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha had on offer were promises. The meeting ended with promises to the farmers of dams to be rehabilitated some time in the future and that a pump station to be constructed at an unspecified time as well. Farmers were also promised improved extension services in the area.
(Photos: DPI)
