FARMERS along the Essequibo Coast can look forward to a revitalised agricultural sector, as the government rolls out a series of transformative investments aimed at boosting crop production, improving infrastructure, and resolving long-standing industry challenges.
Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, made the announcement on Wednesday during a community outreach in Jibb, where he addressed dozens of farmers and residents.
In his remarks, Dr. Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the agriculture sector, pledging significant interventions that will create new opportunities and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
One of the key highlights of his address was a push for crop diversification, with a particular focus on onion cultivation. “We’re looking at growing all the onion that we consume on the Essequibo Coast,” Jagdeo stated. “We’re going to bring in the seed, have the farmers work on that, because they can make much, much money.”
The Vice President underscored the administration’s belief in self-sufficiency and the potential profitability of alternative crops for local farmers.
While encouraging farmers to embrace high-value crops, Dr. Jagdeo also addressed the persistent issues affecting rice production, such as inadequate storage and mill intake capacity during peak harvesting seasons.
“In the rice industry, we promise if we’re going to get this high yield, we may have to invest in government-owned storage facilities where people can rent the space, keep the paddy there,” he explained. “You dry it early and you store it, so that you don’t have this six-week window between cutting the paddy and getting it into the mill.”
He made it clear that expecting private millers to bear the burden of additional infrastructure solely for peak periods would be unfair, hence the State’s likely intervention.
Beyond production challenges, the Vice President outlined plans to improve the region’s connectivity and trade capacity. Among the major projects announced was the construction of a four-lane highway linking Charity to Supenaam.
“We’d have to expand portage capacity for more vessels to come here… A four-lane road from Charity all the way to Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast… these things will open up markets and reduce transportation time,” he told residents, who responded with enthusiastic applause.
Farm-to-market roads, he noted, remain a central part of the government’s development strategy for rural communities, helping to create jobs and boost incomes.
A GOVERNMENT THAT LISTENS
Throughout his visit, Dr. Jagdeo reiterated the PPP/C Government’s commitment to listening and responding to the needs of the agricultural community.
“You know once we’re in office, you have a sympathetic ear… Even in the tough times, we’re here,” he said.
For many farmers, the Vice President’s visit and the outlined initiatives signalled a brighter, more secure future for the Essequibo Coast’s agricultural economy—one rooted in opportunity, resilience, and growth.
