Expansion of coconut industry high on agenda for 2021
– Min. Mustapha says Hope Estate is the first target
By Naomi Parris
CONCERTED efforts will be made this year to transform the coconut industry, the produce of which has become a major agriculture export for Guyana in recent years.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, in making this disclosure during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday said the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is moving full steam ahead with its plans to expand the industry, starting with the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL).
HCIL is a semi-autonomous agency that falls under the MoA, and is commonly called “Hope Estate”.
According to the minister, the estimated capital budget for the Year 2021 is $68.5M, and $14M of this sum is estimated to see the establishment of seven coconut nurseries in six administrative regions. This move will allow farmers to have easy access to adequate amounts of high-quality seedlings at an affordable cost.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that more capital will be expended on improving the works being done at the HCIL this year.
“The 2021 capital programme will also focus on the acquisition of several pieces of equipment, which will be used to improve the delivery of services to farmers and other stakeholders. In addition, several infrastructure works will be undertaken on the estate. These are expected to better serve farmers’ needs,” he said.
The sum of $13M is budgeted for the purchase of one tractor and several other pieces of implements which will be used to assist farmers in land preparation and maintenance of the 53km dam on the estate.
Further, an estimated $5M is budgeted for the construction of a fence around the perimeter of the office, and the coconut nursery. This intervention, the minister noted, is expected to reduce the damage caused by farm animals, and will also see a decrease in the simple larceny of coconut seedlings.
A Canter truck, which will be used to transport seed nuts and other essentials to the newly-established nurseries in the various regions, will be purchased, and is estimated to cost $12M.
Meanwhile, with regards to the safe storage of equipment at HCIL’s compound, a shed for both machinery and implements will be constructed at a cost of $7M.
The minister disclosed that two ‘shade houses’, estimated to cost $2.5M, will be built in the HCIL’s compound to promote the production of vegetables under a controlled environment.
There will also be the construction of a $1M shed for temporary storage for farmers’ produce before it is sold to traders. This, the minister noted, will provide temporary relief to many farmers, and will also help reduce the deterioration of produce from the direct elements of the weather.
Additionally, some $2M will be allocated to provide a comfortable working environment for staff, in accordance with Occupation, Health and Safety (OH&S) guidelines.
A security hut will also be constructed at the main entrance of the compound at an estimated cost of $1M.
Photo: Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha engaging in a coconut tree planting exercise during a recent visit to the Hope Estate, on the East Coast Demerara
