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Private sugarcane farmers are likely to receive higher prices via a deal currently under negotiation by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo).According to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Nick Jackson, the negotiations are ongoing with the Fairtrade Foundation through GuySuCo’s trading partner in Europe, Tate and Lyle.The agreement, which will allow certain small farmers to benefit from higher shelf prices, allows developing countries to benefit because the sugar is sold under a popular retail brand.The proceeds are expected to be plugged back into the farms for drainage and other developmental aspects.Jackson made the disclosure yesterday during an attempt to resuscitate the National Cane Farming Committee at the Ministry of Agriculture.According to Minister Robert Persaud, with increased focus being placed to improve the sugar industry, there is an urgent need to up the production levels by private cane farmers.Currently, only 20,NFL Jerseys China,000 tonnes are being produced by the farmers, which meant only a quarter of the lands used by private cane farmers is being utilized optimally.Urging the cane farmers to devise ways to increase production, Persaud stressed that Government is doing its part. A good example of this, he noted, is the new Skeldon factory in which millions are being expended.The Minister warned of cases where lands allocated for sugar are being used for rice planting and noted that government in its planning strategy, catered for sugar from these lands.He urged farmers to honor commitments to GuySuCo by delivering their quotas.Meanwhile, responding to questions about available land for increased sugar cultivation, the Minister advised that from all indications there is scope for more usage from the current lands that are in the hands of private farmers, co-ops and other arrangements. |
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