Georgetown: The Ministry of Agriculture last year imported fertilizer and made it available to farmers at a reduced rate- a move which was geared at ensuing that the high prices being paid for the commodity becomes a thing of the past, according to Minister of Agriculture Leslie Ramsammy.
In the process, Ramsammy said farmers saved more than $600M in 2013. Subsequently, the Private Sector moved to reduce the price offered for fertilizers which stood between $7, 00 to $10,000 per bag to match the $5000 per bag being offered by Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
“The Agriculture Ministry through a collaborative approach with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) have indicated in the past that they have no desire to compete with the private sector in supplying fertilizer to farmers; however we believe that the prices offered last year for the commodity was not fair and it was on this basis that we intervened,” the Minister noted.
As such Ramsammy noted that the decision by the Private Sector to reduce the price offered was welcomed by the Government and we were hoping that such a move would be sustained. However, there has been a reverse in the trend and presently farmers are once again faced with paying the high price for fertilizers.
“We are therefore forced once again to make available fertilizers on the market at a lower rate, all with the aim of ensuring that farmers’ livelihood are safeguarded. Should such a behavior on the part of the Private Sector continue; we would have no other alternative but to increase the quota of fertilizer we import into the country.” Minister Ramsammy emphasized “Over the past years, there has been a general increase in the prices for fertilizers and pesticides. Research data, field trials and actual farm use have shown that when properly used, commercial fertilizers can result in significant economic advantage to the farmer, hence the move by the Ministry to ensure that farmers have access to the commodity.”
The Ministry of Agriculture reiterates its position which is not to compete with the Private Sector; however our position remains the same which is to ensure that farmers have access to more affordable fertilizers.
You must be logged in to post a comment.