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– expected to reduce farmers’ expenseA state of the art Soil Testing Laboratory which is expected to enhance agronomic practices in Guyana is likely to be ready in a matter of six months.This is according to the Minister of Agriculture,Emil Bergstrom Sweden Jersey, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who said that such a move is necessary since it will not only significantly reduce the cost to farmers,St. Louis Cardinals Ken Boyer Jersey, but also allow the sector to be more effective.Agriculture Minister,Andre Ethier Dodgers Jersey,Dr. Leslie RamsammyThe development of this “comprehensive soil laboratory” is being done in partnership with several agencies which fall under the Agriculture Ministry.These include the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo),J.J. Hardy Orioles Jersey, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA),New York Mets Bartolo Colon Jersey, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Fisheries Department and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).It was noted that the lab is necessary, since Guyana is a country which depends highly on the Agriculture industry. It was also highlighted that presently the Agriculture Industry contributes 23 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Dr. Ramsammy said that soil analysis is a valuable tool for farms,Addison Reed Mets Jersey, as it determines the input required for efficient and economic production. Soil tests help to ensure application of enough fertilizer to meet the requirements of the respective crop, while taking advantage of the nutrients already present in the soil.He added that GuySuCo can only perform limited soil tests at the moment, and that the lab,Will Clark Giants Jersey, when completed, will have the capacity to analyze various soil samples which,Trevor Rosenthal Cardinals Jersey, prior,Pat Neshek Cardinals Jersey, has to be sent to Miami.The soil laboratory is expected to eliminate the need for sending samples overseas. The inclusion of the laboratory will significantly reduce the cost farmers endure to have a proper soil test carried out. A Technical Management Committee will also be established with representatives from the respective agencies to manage the lab. |
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