THE issues of food demands globally seem to be escalating almost on a daily basis.

Many will agree with me that no one will starve for food in Guyana. However this is the time when the government must encourage and promote the nation’s farmers to produce more…

We all endure hefty price increases in fuel globally which triggered a domino effect on agriculture.

Very recently we saw a hike in wheat on the world market as flour prices increased in Guyana by twenty five percent. Now rice is taking centre stage, the government of Guyana must encourage more rice production.

In the Caribbean Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica are all targeting Guyana as their source of supply.

The agriculture minister needs to work with the farmers closely to boost large scale production, a drive around Guyana reveals that there’s no shortage of agricultural land. What is more noticeable lately is that many of these once rice fields are now converted into sub divisions.

Guyana has to cash in now and be a key competitor with others on the world market. The opportunity is once again here and Guyana should take full advantage of it.

A while back I wrote a letter regarding how Guyanese have the ability to beat the high food prices. With a fertile soil and free manure almost anything grows in Guyana.

In countries with seasonal climates almost all foods are being imported and they fetch very high prices.

It is a fact that many overseas Guyanese primarily in North America do support our Guyanese products. For which there are big demands.

Guyana needs to tap into the North American market which is very lucrative. Many Guyanese in North America always want their “back-home” food on the table.

I know that many Guyanese including myself support the local economy by buying Guyanese products. Arrangements should be made for Guyanese in North America to get more local products. There is a large Guyanese consuming public here.

Canada is home to many nations and with so many nationalities and every community favours its own food items that’s being imported. Why aren’t there enough Guyanese made products here. While Guyana is looking at ways to attract foreign currencies in Tourism. Agriculture is being ignored and this is the biggest earner of much needed foreign dollars.

Many overseas based Guyanese are ready and willing to support our economy by buying local.

As always there’s no taste like home. And in my case I shouldn’t be waiting for my visiting relatives to return from Guyana with some “BACK-HOME GOODIES”.
AYUBE KHAN
TORONTO CANADA