Cattle farmers in Region Six who were forced to move their animals to the front lands after their designated grazing areas in the backlands had become inundated, are reporting that several of their animals are nursing life-threatening injuries that were allegedly imposed by other farmers.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, after learning of the incidents, condemned the acts and is urging persons to desist from harming the animals.
Mustapha said, “Over the past few days, cattle farmers from Berbice have been reaching out to me about the issue. I’ve instructed the regional agriculture officers to meet with the farmers. Farmers have also engaged regional law enforcement…”
He added, “I know these are very troubling times for farmers who are trying to preserve whatever cultivation and livestock they have left. I’m urging farmers to work together and be their brother’s keeper because this flooding is a national issue that has affected us all. This is time for us to demonstrate compassion for life and our fellow farmers.”
The minister also said that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Regional Agricultural Coordinator for Region Six, Mr. Dennis Deroop are currently working with farmers to determine the reason behind the heinous attacks and to amicably resolve any conflict that currently
exists.
He added that the GLDA and regional agricultural officers are working with farmers to ensure animals brought from the backlands remain housed in secure areas, and away from farms and rice fields. He further stated that the GLDA has been providing feed free of cost to farmers.
Following the onset of the rainy season back in May of this year which resulted in the flooding of savannahs in Regions Five and Six, as well as many other agricultural and residential areas across the country, cattle farmers have been forced to relocate their animals to higher ground.
So far, over 20,000 animals have been relocated to higher grounds in the front lands.
