Coconut farmers residing in the Pomeroon, Region Two are poised to receive a significant boost in their agricultural endeavors, thanks to an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture. This project is aimed at increasing coconut production in the area. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, made this exciting announcement during a recent to the region where he led a series of community meetings to engage with farmers and stakeholders.
During these meetings, Minister Mustapha shared insights into the government’s broader strategy of revitalizing the productive sectors within the region. He emphasized the importance of coconut cultivation, noting its status as Guyana’s third most lucrative crop. To support this vital agricultural sector, the minister revealed plans to distribute planting materials to local farmers. Specifically, he announced that 100 coconut farmers from the Pomeroon area would soon receive approximately 7,000 high-yielding Brazilian Green Dwarf seed nuts to expand their coconut cultivation efforts.
“…As you know, this variety produces a sweeter and higher volume of coconut water and bears after about three years. This will be a game-changer,” Minister Mustapha explained.
He further highlighted the productive potential of the Brazilian Green Dwarf variety, pointing out its ability to meet the increasing local and international demand for coconut and coconut-based products. Minister Mustapha also underscored the global market’s growing appetite for coconut water, with expectations for the industry’s value to surpass US $11 billion. The government’s provision of resources, he noted, is aimed at ensuring Guyana can capitalize on this lucrative market.
In addition to the focus on coconut production, Minister Mustapha discussed the government’s plans to rejuvenate coffee cultivation in the Pomeroon region. He informed the farmers about the impending arrival of coffee germplasm from Costa Rica, which will provide the necessary planting materials to redevelop the coffee industry in the area.
“..You know this area used to produce a lot of coffee. The germplasm will be coming from Costa Rica soon so that we can begin to distribute planting materials to farmers in the Pomeroon. Our technical officers and specialists will also work along with you to develop your plots so that we can resuscitate coffee production,” the minister added.
Furthermore, Minister Mustapha emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting farmers by making all planting materials for permanent crops available free of cost. He also mentioned ongoing improvements to the region’s drainage and irrigation infrastructure, including the “bed and drain” and block drainage programmes, as part of the government’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in the Pomeroon region.
