Five acres of farmland to be cleared for every farmer in Nabacalis – Min Mustapha

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha announced that the government will clear up to five acres of farmland for every farmer in Nabacalis.

The commitment was made during an outreach on Friday, following concerns raised by residents during a recent meeting with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

“However, they have to provide documents that they own the land or they have ownership for the land or authority over the land so that we can do the work for them. Also, we plan to work along with the farmers to give them planting material to do the land clearing and also do the canal clearing in the community,” he said.

Minister Mustapha said machinery is expected to return to the area within two weeks to begin the works.

He also conducted an impromptu meeting at Cane Grove where farmers raised concerns about drainage, pasture areas, and access along dams.

Cattle farmers, in particular, called for pasture areas to be drained and dams to be opened.

The agriculture minister said he has asked the chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, to send an engineer to survey the area and prepare a report on the works required.

However, a walk-through of parts of the community found that areas originally reserved for drains had been occupied, including by fences and other structures.

As a result, the government will therefore have to resurvey the area and determine where an effective drainage system could be established.

Residents may also be required to remove structures that have been built on drainage reserves to allow the necessary works to be carried out.

The minister has instructed the ministry’s Director-General and the NDIA chairman to prepare a report for the President, who will determine the next steps.

Moreover, addressing concerns of farmers planting crops and occupying dams and reserves.

The minister has requested the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to serve notices on those occupying the reserves and dams.

He added that farmers will be provided an alternative area which will be identified soon to continue farming.

Minister Mustapha said the objective is to bring greater order to the community while addressing the infrastructure and agricultural needs of residents.

Meanwhile, the minister was accompanied by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj. [DPI]