Agriculture Minister promises Better assistance to MVDP Farmers

Contact: Primus Hutchinson

October 20, 1999 - A large number of farmers of the Mabouya Valley Development Programme ‘MVDP’ met with the Minister for Agriculture, Honourable Cassius Elias and officials of the programme at a specially convened meeting at the La Ressource school last Sunday.

The meeting was called to look specifically at the various shortcomings of the programme, the concerns of the farmers and to propose possible solutions. Mr. Elias expressed serious concerns regarding the status of the programme at present. One of those concerns is the irregularity in the payment for farm lands. Mr. Elias said while he recognised the difficulties experienced by farmers to maintain regular payments, this on the other hand is hampering the progress of the programme.

However, the Minister and the farmers have agreed to come to a common understanding regarding their contribution to the effective operation of the programme . Whilst expressing their own concerns in reference to conditions of farm roads, the need for better agricultural machinery and proper housing and better marketing procedures for their produce, the farmers agreed to meet with the Minister at another forum to iron out these concerns. Mr. Elias stated that whatever little the farmers can do themselves, his ministry and the MVDP officials are prepared to assist .

Parliamentary Representative for Dennery North, Honourable Anthony Torrence, echoed the sentiments of the Minister; However he cautioned the farmers to strive to maintain achieve agronomic practices and always bear in mind the importance of protecting the environment which will reduce significantly the problems of deteriorating farms roads and farming lands.

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