Agriculture holds many career opportunities -St. Rose’s students told

sam_2280Georgetown: St. Rose’s High School’s Fifth Form Agriculture Science students were Tuesday informed about the various career opportunities in agriculture by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The presentation (an interactive session and pictorial display) was organized as part of the Institute’s Agriculture Month’s activities. It was hosted by Mr. Benjamin Frank, Training Manager of NAREI and convened in the auditorium of St. Rose’s High School. In keeping with this year’s theme for Agriculture Month, “Exploring New Production Frontiers: in Pursuit of Climate Resilience,” Frank outlined a series of personal career goals students should set to develop themselves and Guyana in general. In responding to a question posed by Frank, students identified the farmer as the most important person in agriculture. The majority of Guyanese are engaged in agricultural activities either at the commercial or subsistence levels. Their operations are supported by the hard working staff of Ministry of Agriculture. NAREI, which is focused primarily on crop production and pest and diseases affecting crops, plays an active role in the farming community. The Institute employs over 380 persons, who are engaged in Research, Extension Services, Administration, and General Services. The students were intrigued about the various career opportunities available in the local agriculture sector, which include: Crop Extension Agent, Crop Extension Officer, Agronomist, Research Scientist, Research Technician, and Entomologist. Frank advised that qualifying oneself in the Field of Agriculture would be rewarding. NAREI will also be conducting similar presentations at Wismar Christianburg Wismar Multilateral School and West Demerara Secondary School on October 5 and 7 respectively.  These initiatives are aimed at enlightening students on the significance of agriculture in Guyana. The focus is on modern agricultural practices currently being implemented. NAREI wants to show the nexus between agriculture and science. It is important that youths get involved in agriculture and see it as an avenue for income generation rather than a laborious unprofitable venture. NAREI is happy to share this info in this regard.