Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2004

A team from Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) was in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) for eight days earlier this month, to assist farmers to better manage and sustain their products - by offering small loans.
Regional Vice-Chairman Clarindo Rudolph said that a team visited the Region last year and held public meetings with farmers who indicated their interest in improving the marketing of their skills.
“I must commend the IPED team for their initiative and it shows their concern for farmers in the Region,” emphasis Rudolph.
Annai, Aishalton, Shea and Maruranau were some of the villages the team visited this month conducting training sessions.
Entrepreneur Development Officer Charlotta Walcott said that training is necessary to encourage farmers to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
They were collecting applications to be processed and distributing monies to persons who were successful in their application.
“Farmers are showing their interest and I am pleased with the outcome of the training sessions with farmers,” said Ms. Walcott.
Peanut farmers and persons rearing sheep and pigs can access loans from $30,000 to $60,000.
Senior Credit Officer, Shawn Persaud said with some finances injected into the project, peanut production and efficiency can increase, bringing about profits for farmers. He stated that the project generates cash for serious farmers.
The five C’s are very important elements in accessing loans. They are: cash flow, the capacity of the product to generate a profit, so that the stipulated instalment can be paid, the farmer’s character, credit rating, contribution to the project and collateral, such as personal and production assets.
Among those on the eight day visit were Executive Director of IPED, Dr. Walter Chin and Alfred Ramsarran Branch Supervisor.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta caught up with the team while he was in Region Nine. He too is pleased with the initiative shown by the IPED team.