The new Guyana Marketing Cooperation in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry held the Grow More Food Festival at the National Stadium Providence. The event was widely perceived as a success based on the attendance and the response acquired by those who attended the event. This event was in keeping with the recent drive by the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage large, small and medium scale businesses attached to the agriculture industry to grow more food. But this initiative is not aimed solely at the business sector and this event was an opportunity to also encourage families to engage in the planting of kitchen gardens and other small scale agricultural activities to help to offset the effects of raising food prices locally and internationally. Though this initiative is not a new one it is a timely endeavor considering the state of the global raise in oil and food prices.
The event served as a platform for businesses in the agri-industry as well as those businesses who utilize agricultural products to showcase their various products and/or services. The showcasing of these entities would serve to broaden their customer base by giving them publicity and exposure, cause improvements to be brought into the agriculture industry by showing businesses there are others in their field thus forcing them to improve their standards to compete more effectively in the marketplace and by extension benefiting the consumers because competition forces businesses to improve on the quality of their products and services, and it will also serve to improve the agriculture industry as a whole and by extension the economic condition of the country.
The booths on display were an attempt to showcase the various aspects of the agricultural industry. There were displays ranging from the raw products all the way to the finished products and products made from the by products of agricultural materials. There were farmers displaying vegetables and fruits which can be grown on a medium to large scale basis. There were livestock present to show the potential of that aspect of the agricultural industry for development and expansion. Companies that supply farmers with the vital equipment and chemicals that are necessary to the successful production of the produce and livestock were also present to show their products. The skilled craftsmen who utilize the by products of agricultural production were also present to showcase their talent and products. There were even representatives from the fisheries sector there to show the fruitfulness of the land of many waters through the aquaculture industry. Items used in the preparation of food were also on display that can be found locally made by Guyanese companies. As compulsory at any Guyanese event there were numerous food and drinks bars for patrons to enjoy wholesome Guyanese food and drinks all day and night. Not to be outdone were the persons who source and sell plants of various kinds, from seeds of decorative plants to those of agricultural significance like tomatoes and peppers to assist those persons desirous of starting or enhancing their own kitchen gardens, as well as persons selling seedlings and small plants of various kinds.
Even though the primary purpose of the event was to showcase the agricultural potential of the Guyanese people there was also an entertainment aspect of the evening which was appreciated by those in attendance. This part of the evening was to showcase Guyanese and regional musical and creative talent.
There was a fashion display that showcased the creativity of our very talented designers while at the same time showing off some of the best models we have locally. The works of various designers were on display depicting both male and female clothing as well as apparel for various events, indicating the versatility of the designers. It must be stated that the models did an excellent job showcasing the pieces chosen much to the satisfaction the large gathering.
Musical performances were given by local and Trinidadian artiste to entertain the large crowd and to bring the curtains down on a day filled with information and fun in a wholesome family setting. For more on the musical performances be sure to check out the gallery.
By – Andrew Ross
First of all, it is good to see that GuyanaLive does not only cover parties and the like. The Grow more campaign is a good initiative by the Government but still more can be done like giving ppl land to plant, cuz right now it is very hard to get land to farm. But all in all at least Guyana doin sting to help cushion the prices and will soon become the bread basket of the Caribbean. Hope this comment aint too long. LOL!