Plans for intermediate savannahs a priority for new Agriculture Minister

During a brief interview after his swearing in on Friday, by President David Granger at the Office of the President, Minister Holder noted that first he would have to familiarise himself with the staff of the Ministry along with the agricultural situation in Guyana and the various sub-agencies attached to the Ministry.

He pointed to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) among other areas which comprise the width of the Ministry, and with which he has to familiarise himself.

Minister Holder also noted too the interface with international agencies such as the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) among others which also need to be looked at.

Regarding the intermediate savannahs, Minister Holder indicated that this was his special interest with respect to agricultural development. He also observed that with the advent of climate change, not enough has been done on the coastland and focus would be placed on this area.

Minister Holder has been an agriculturist for 36 years and the Chief Executive Officer for i-Net Communications Incorporated. [Extracted and modified from GINA]