Large-scale commercial cultivation of crops including carrots, onions and potatoes is set to begin across approximately 50 acres of land in Region Eight under a new hinterland farming initiative aimed at expanding food production and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday visited Kato Village where he met farmers from Kato and Paramakatoi who will participate in the initiative.
The project is being supported through collaboration between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, with lands already identified and clearing works under way.
In Kato, approximately 25 acres of savannah lands will be utilised during the first phase of cultivation, while another 25 acres is expected to be identified for expansion. Soil testing was also conducted after samples were collected from the sites to determine crop suitability and maximise productivity.
At Paramakatoi, a co-operative consisting of 16 persons has been formed to spearhead cultivation efforts. About 42 acres of land have already been cleared, with another 6.5 acres being prepared, while ploughing has commenced on 20 acres with assistance from the drainage and irrigation authority.
Cultivation plans for Paramakatoi include eight acres of onions, eight acres of carrots and two acres of potatoes. An additional two acres have also been earmarked for strawberry cultivation trials.
Minister Mustapha, who was accompanied by Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Brown and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai, said technical assistance, infrastructure support and extension services will continue to be provided to ensure the success of the initiative.
