113 farmers receive land leases in Region Five

Approximately 113 farmers received agricultural land leases on Wednesday as the government continues to support agricultural production and improve farmers’ lives in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The leases were distributed by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority’s (MMA-ADA) Open Day at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) briefly following the event, Minister Mustapha said the event provided an opportunity to address concerns raised by farmers, with most of the issues brought to the minister’s attention resolved.

“We had a number of farmers who would have applied for land. Today, 113 farmers would have received leases. There were a number of issues that were raised with me that I think most of them were resolved. So today was a very good day,” the minister said.

Among the beneficiaries are farmers from Rampoor and surrounding communities who have spent decades seeking security of tenure and formal recognition of their right to occupy and cultivate agricultural lands.

The minister also stressed that government support must reach the farmers, warning against the practice of persons receiving large land allocations and subsequently renting them to other farmers at high costs.

“When the government benefits are available, they must trickle down to the beneficiaries,” Minister Mustapha said.

The minister cautioned persons who receive substantial agricultural land allocations but use the land primarily to collect rental income instead of cultivating it.

“When you look at the cost of production and all the components, the highest cost is land rental. And that is why the lower rent the government provides is significant,” the minister explained.

Minister Mustapha noted that the MMA scheme remains a major contributor to agricultural production and livelihoods in Region Five, supporting farmers involved in rice cultivation, livestock rearing and cash crop production.

The minister said the scheme covers approximately 224,000 acres of land used for agricultural activities and supports about 7,000 farmers.

When their households are considered, approximately 28,000 people depend directly on the scheme, with thousands more benefiting indirectly through related businesses and services.

“When we make investments in this scheme, it is an investment for the people of Region Five,” the minister said.

Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving agricultural infrastructure, increasing production and introducing modern technologies to help farmers improve their yields.

 Meanwhile, the agriculture minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Guyana’s agricultural sector continues to expand production while creating greater opportunities for farmers and young people.

The Open Day, held as part of Agriculture Month, featured exhibitions by agricultural agencies showcasing their products and services. The event also recognised MMA-ADA staff members for their long year of service.

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