The government wants to increase agricultural production through greater financial support for rice farmers, investments in agricultural facilities and better use of agricultural land. President Jennifer Simons said on Sunday, October 4, on the ABC radio programme Welingelichte Kringen that the sector must play an important role in broadening Suriname’s economy.
According to Simons, Suriname has for a long time invested insufficiently in the agricultural sector. To make up for that backlog, adjustments are needed in education, financing, infrastructure and production capacity. The president stressed that this is a process that will take years.
At the same time, according to her, the government is working on measures that should stimulate production in the shorter term. Rice farmers will receive more financial support, and there are plans to replace the Wakay pumps. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is also working on a reorganisation of the Anne van Dijk Rice Research Centre Nickerie (Adron).
Unused agricultural land
The government also wants to encourage available agricultural land to actually be used. According to Simons, land users should be encouraged to produce themselves or lease their land to others.
“But if it remains bare like that, it must cost money,” the president said. She did not explain what a possible financial measure for unused land would look like.
Furthermore, the Agricultural Credit Fund must function better. According to the head of state, investments are also needed in facilities that support agricultural production. New educational institutions and adjustments within existing institutions must contribute to the knowledge and skills the sector needs.
Import controls
In addition to higher production, Simons cited food security and food safety as objectives. According to her, the government is taking action against the importation of prohibited agricultural chemicals and is stopping rice brought in without the required permission. She referred to a recent situation in which, in addition to fertiliser, rice had also been imported without permission.
“These current measures are not measures to hinder people. They are measures to increase that production,” Simons said.
Timelines through 2027 and 2028
Asked about a concrete timetable, the president said the government is setting timelines for various policy objectives. For certain matters, 2027 and 2028 are being used as targets. She did not provide a separate timetable for the agricultural measures mentioned.
According to Simons, the expected oil revenues make it necessary to invest now in other productive sectors. Agriculture must thus contribute to a broader economic base for Suriname.
