Farmers to take advantage of Hope Estate agro-processing facility

Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2016, 15:39 by Denis Chabrol

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth (left) and the Chief Executive Officer of AMJ Agro-Processors, Mr. Anand James, CEO of AMJ Agro-Processors signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the the use of its processing facility at Hope Estate.

Farmers at Hope Estate and other areas will soon be able to cash in on the sale of seasoning to be processed by a facility there for local and foreign markets.

“This initiative will be benefit the farming communities and also provide employment. The company is currently in its mobilization stage to begin processing,” NAREI said in a statement.

The National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AMJ Agro-Processors for the use of its processing facility at Hope Estate. NAREI said AMJ Agro-Processors will utilize the facility at Hope Estate to manufacture spices, seasonings, pepper and eschallot mash, and mash of thyme.

The CEO of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth signed on behalf of NAREI whilst Mr. Anand James, CEO of AMJ Agro-Processors signed on behalf of his company.

AMJ Agro Processors is a company registered in Guyana with its office situated at 360 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara

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The company  says it will supply the local and international markets with its products. The company says it intends to offer varied, high quality products to ensure total customer satisfaction, manufactured under the highest level of Food Safety and Quality.

AMJ says it will install equipment required for pasteurizing, packaging, sealing of containers and labels for packaging materials.

The Ministry of Agriculture has been promoting agro-processing as a priority in the agriculture sector and therefore has endorsed this initiative since it falls within the ambit of the Ministry’s plan. In this regard, NAREI will work with certified farmers to provide technical support to ensure this venture is successful.

The signing of the MOU was witnessed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NAREI, Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, as well as representative from the Ministry of Agriculture. The Chairman mentioned that he looked forward to the achievement of a viable partnership between AMJ Agro-Processors and NAREI that will be to the benefit of each partner and through such partnership, give a great measure of confidence to our farmers to aim for certification so that their produce will have a guaranteed market, and that the company in turn is motivated to expand agro processing activities