Drainage help, a sprinkler and a pump for shrimp ponds were among requests met or promised to farmers who raised concerns with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at an open day in Albion on Saturday.

More than 300 farmers and residents attended the event at the Albion Sports Complex, where Minister Mustapha heard issues affecting their livelihoods and communities and discussed possible solutions.

Among them was Balkishne Kistene Sammy, 78, of Tain, Block 4, Corentyne, who sought help with drainage.

"The meeting was wonderful and he promised a lot of help," Sammy told Ignite News.
"I just come to ask him for a little help with the drainage. He said that will be all right, and I must be thankful. He help out a lot and I appreciate what he doing," he added.

Albion-Chesney resident Fatima Ahmed asked for help clearing her land in Black Bush Polder, where she hopes to start a small-scale farming venture.

"Well, this is the first time I come greet a minister, and this is the first time I was so close near him. It was nice, and he says he's gonna help," Ahmed said.

Jerimah Mendonca, 25, of Bloomfield Village, who has grown cash crops for more than three years, said his request for a sprinkler was granted. He added that he had previously received drainage assistance, which he described as beneficial to farmers.

"Reaching with the minister today was a very smooth and easy process, and what you come for was granted to you, and I'm very grateful for it, I come to seek some assistance for some sprinklers and it was granted," Mendonca said.

He encouraged more young people to enter agriculture, which he said offers self-employment but demands dedication and commitment. Mendonca, who has been involved in the sector from a young age, said it is rewarding for those willing to put in the work.

"Agriculture is one of the main things in the country. We gotta get food, so we encourage a lot of young people to come out and try it," he said.
Soman Samaroo, a 61-year-old shrimp and rice farmer, said he asked for a pump to improve the water supply to his shrimp ponds and maintain adequate levels amid changing climatic conditions.

"The assistance were, um, he said at time we can get the pump in next week for top up the pond for catch the tide, and that was good," Samaroo said.

He said the open day also spared farmers a trip to the capital.

"Because sometimes you get a problem and you had to go down in Georgetown and get an appointment to meet the minister. So it's a very good initiative," he said.