In light of the recent government intervention to assist rice farmers countrywide, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) has applauded the move, stating that the industry is simply too big to fail. In a release issued by the CCCC, the body stated that the Agriculture Ministry has been at the forefront of modernization and buffering of this sector with the introduction of higher-yielding varieties, subsidies, tax exemptions, and many other measures.
“The economic significance of the rice industry to Regions 5 and 6 cannot be overstated. The rice industry is faced with some challenges that are outside of the control of farmers and millers. Minister Zulficar Mustapha has once again displayed visionary leadership and demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of our rice farmers and the sector,” the missive added.
The cattle industry is another sector that is in urgent need of attention.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has no doubt made significant investments in this sector-imported breeding bulls, black belly sheep, embryonic transplants, new state-of-the-art labs, to name a few-however, there is a pressing need for drastic intervention and modernization in other critical aspects within this sector. To begin with, the legislative framework needs to be overhauled-in particular, the laws governing cattle rustling, the sale and slaughter of cattle, transportation of cattle, cattle trespass, impounding cattle, etc. The current laws also need to be strictly enforced.
Cattle rustling remains one of the greatest impediments to the growth and development of the industry. In fact, it is slowly killing the industry,” CCCC added. The CCCC is of the view that the Berbice Cattle Association needs to be urgently resuscitated and that measures such as drone technology and electronic collars can be deployed to monitor and dismantle the cattle rustling networks and safeguard the investments of farmers in the industry.
Meanwhile, the body urges intervention by the government to address the above concerns and stands willing to facilitate any engagements.
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