The riverine community of Manawarin is poised for a significant transformation in its agricultural sector, following a series of major interventions announced by the government. These initiatives aim to modernize farming practices, improve productivity, and create sustainable livelihoods for residents in this hinterland village.

Farmers in Manawarin have long faced challenges such as declining soil fertility due to traditional slash-and-burn methods, limited access to markets, and difficulties transporting produce from remote backdams. Recognizing these hurdles, the Ministry of Agriculture has committed to a comprehensive support package designed to address both immediate needs and long-term development.

Among the key measures:

• Soil Testing and Technical Support: Specialist teams, including soil scientists, will visit Manawarin to conduct soil tests and provide guidance on improving land fertility. Farmers will receive training on crop rotation and sustainable practices, moving away from the nomadic slash-and-burn approach to more permanent, productive farming methods.
• Expansion of Extension Services: The ministry will train and hire three additional agricultural extension officers, increasing the local support staff from two to five. These officers will work closely with farmers, offering technical advice and hands-on assistance.
• Agro-Processing Facility and Tools: An allocation of $2 million has been set aside for the construction of an agro-processing facility, along with the provision of essential farming tools and inputs such as seeds and Acoushi Ants bait.
• Support for Agricultural Education: Manawarin Secondary School’s agricultural science department will receive new resources, including tools, textbooks, and materials for shadehouse farming, enhancing the practical learning experience for students.
• Access to Funding: Residents will benefit from $4 million available under the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This funding could also support the construction of a new wharf, pending community agreement.

The government’s approach emphasizes not just immediate relief but sustainable growth, ensuring that hinterland farmers can match the progress of their coastal counterparts. A team from the Ministry of Agriculture, including officers from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, is expected to return to Manawarin in the coming weeks to continue consultations and distribute agricultural inputs.

These interventions signal a new chapter for Manawarin, with the promise of increased productivity, better market access, and improved livelihoods for its farming families.