Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the first shipment of Urea from Venezuela is expected in Guyana by September. This fertilizer will be sold to farmers at a reduced price.
According to Minister Ramsammy, the fertilizer is one of the most expensive inputs into farming and Urea for instance is being sold for about $7, 000 to $8,000 per bag.
In light of this, the Ministry is working with Venezuela to source Urea at a cheaper price and alleviate the cost farmers have to bear.
During an interview today, Dr. Ramsammy explained that discussions were held with officials in Venezuela and 5,000 tonnes of Urea will leave those shores in August and arrive in Guyana during the first week of September.
According to the Minister, Guyana needs approximately 20,000 tonnes of Urea year per year and he is confident that shipping arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the demand is met. [Akash Ramlackhan]
