Observations On The East Coast Agricultural District During The Years 1915-1918

 Observations On The East Coast Agricultural District During The Years 1915-1918

Observations On The East Coast Agricultural District During The Years 1915-1918 By E. M. Morgan, Chief Agricultural Instructor, East Coast Demerara . More significance is being attached to discussions in the various Agricultural Societies on the East Coast than to the actual performance of practical work at the farms. To my knowledge, a series of lectures would be beneficial both to the peasants and agriculturists, especially if the various methods of cultivation given were carried out in conjunction with different phases of plant life; practical demonstrations on individual plots should accompany such lectures. Time and interest in maintenance of good cultivation are not sufficiently devoted by our small farmers. It is to be deplored that the time spent in the township by our young men and women is not utilized at the farms aback or in the environments of the home cultivating kitchen gardens, crops, or the fostering flowers. Our village politicians would be of immense assistance in encouraging this kind of work rather than arguing about the present Colonization Scheme; thus the threatened dearth of ground provisions would be removed. The yearly hue and cry for new lands is still prevalent but with the exception of Golden Grove and Nabaclis (where the major area is under coconuts) but little real claim exists therefore. The time is inopportune for such as we cannot be satisfied that the present polders have been systematically and efficiently cropped and left under permanent crops such as coconuts coffee, fruits, etc. Also, we can be satisfied that we have efficiently drained and irrigated these polders. At present two or three days heavy rain occasion and inundation with accompanying destruction of provisions. Further, we cannot be satisfied with the principle of using the main drainage trench as a drainage, irrigation, and navigation canal . It is incumbent that improvements be carefully carried out on the existing cultivations before additional lands are empoldered. The difficulty of solving such problems rests with the Village Councils who are composed of a greater number pedagogues and trades men than of practical farmers. Such individual.?, although considering themselves omniscience. Decline to allow irrigation from the proper source, be middle weight or sweet water canal. The reason given is that the tapping and laying clown of a small box koker or pipe would contaminate ate the sweet water. Though this objection to tapping the canal aback is strictly adhered to, little or no precaution is exercised to preclude pigs, ducks and other animals from contaminating this same canal in its course through the township lots. The Councillors must be asked to co-operate with the farmers in this particular respect. It has been pointed out, on several occasions that unless the drainage trench is kept very low the heavy rains will occasion inundation: the Company Canal, if it is thoroughly cleaned will assist drainage, and be most convenient for navigation. It is now generally realized by the farmers that it pays to extensively plant permanent crops. Such crops are of immense benefit to the farmer, and will serve readily as a substantial pension in old age and decrepitude. Therefore provision should first be made for efficient drainage and irrigation of such crops so that the empowering of new lands will be a step to progress. Immediately on the outbreak of the great European war the Director of Science and Agriculture detailed two of his officer to visit and instruct the farmers on the East Coast as to the advisability of extensively cultivating early maturing crops such as corn, peas, and provisions in general, with the view to alleviating as much as possible the great shortage of imported foodstuffs. The Presidents of the various agricultural associations were also invited to co-operate with the Department and to induce the farmers to carry out the instructions. These timely instructions received prompt attention and it was gratifying to note the. interest evinced in the preparation and planting of new lands. Early in 1915 the writer was appointed to assume residential duties on the East Coast and to be at the disposal of the farmers. A considerable portion of the work has been devoted to the cultivation of provisions; attention being given to seed and plant selection; attention has also been given to coconuts, fruit, coffee, rice and sugar cane. It is satisfactory to mention that such work has resulted in the production of more satisfactory returns. The direct work of pruning fruit trees for the farmers has been appreciated, which is indicated by the alacrity of the majority to adopt such advice. An experiment, which promised to be of great import, is" to be started by the Victoria-Belfield Agricultural Association to demonstrate to farmers a method of cultivating early maturing crops on small plots. It is proposed to place the scheme under the care of the Agricultural Instructor so that it may be carried out systematically for a number of years ; beyond doubt it will afford information of considerable value to the farmers. considerable amount of activity has been displayed by the planters in distributing lands already drained to farmers for the cultivation of provisions, notably among these are Plantations Lusignan, Non Pareil, Enmore, Hope, La Bon Mere, and Cane Grove. Full advantage has been taken throughout of this opportunity.' As a further impetus to the farmers on the East Coast the Department of Science and Agriculture has distributed over 500 pounds of peas and 2,000 pounds of selected rice paddy: these proved to be of immense value and were greatly appreciated It only remains to the farmers to cultivate their lands assiduously. The spasmodic and perfunctory manner in which some East Coast farmers pursue their duties is to he regretted. Source: The Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana Vol X11 No. 2, April, 1919:pages 119 – 121.

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