The Region Five Model Farm hosted its Annual Open Day and Exhibition on Wednesday under the theme “Transforming Livelihoods Through Agri-Food Systems,” drawing hundreds of students, farmers, and residents for a vibrant showcase of innovation, education, and community spirit.
More than eight agricultural agencies, five farmers’ organisations, and eight secondary schools, including Berbice High School, participated in the event. Visitors explored educational booths, browsed the Farmers’ Market, and received seedlings and Black Giant chickens — a highlight for many home gardeners and livestock enthusiasts.
Krishna Sewlall, National Model Farm Coordinator attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, said the farm plays a central role in promoting agricultural development and technology transfer.
“A model farm serves as a demonstration site to promote and support agricultural growth by encouraging the adoption of new technologies among farmers and the general public. For instance, celery is in high demand, but many farmers face challenges in growing it. Here, they can visit our demonstration plots and learn the proper management practices firsthand,” Sewlall explained.
This year’s exhibition introduced a Farmers’ Clinic, allowing farmers to meet directly with extension officers for personalised diagnoses and recommendations — bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Displays across the grounds reflected the diversity of Guyana’s agricultural landscape, featuring tunnel houses for seedling production, hydroponic systems, and livestock exhibits. Large pig breeds, the Back Belly sheep programme, and high-value crops such as bell peppers and celery were also showcased alongside innovative practices for animal housing and sustainable land management.
Sewlall said the farm also functions as a training and research hub for students and teachers.
“We encourage all secondary schools in Region Five to use the facility for SBA projects and practical lessons. Even trainee teachers from the In-Service Teachers’ Training College in Belladrum come here for hands-on experience. It’s about supporting education at every level,” he said.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) spotlighted agri-processing initiatives featuring locally made products like pepper jelly and other value-added goods, helping farmers diversify income streams and manage market surpluses.
Dozens of university students attended, eager to connect classroom learning with real-world practice.
Jamaicia King, a second-year Agriculture student at the University of Guyana, said the event was both inspiring and educational.
“It’s been very enlightening. As an agriculture student, getting to see and experience what we study in the field is amazing. The presentations on the rice industry earlier were especially helpful. I also got to see a grape vine for the first time, that was truly amazing,” she said.
Amelia Sankar, a third-year student at the same university, described the experience as an eye-opener.
“I found it very exciting to actually see this little setup right here it’s very enlightened to have all of these systems like in one area so that you can see how it works and understand certain methods that farmers have to use for their crops to grow and how important it is to sustain the environment and also the methods farmers go through to use less output to get more income it’s very inspiring and I hope that it could encourage me in my future endeavors.”
Sewlall said this year’s event was larger and more successful than the previous one.
“This year’s exhibition was bigger and more successful than last year. We aim to continue expanding the Model Farm and advancing sustainable agriculture to improve livelihoods across Guyana.”
The Region Five Model Farm’s Open Day once again highlighted that agriculture in Guyana is not just about planting crops but about cultivating innovation, education, and community growth.
