Farmer rebounds from pandemic and floods with State support

Life has always revolved around the seasons and the soil for Valeme Kedilchan, a 57-year-old cash crop farmer from Crabwood Creek, Corentyne.

With more than five decades of experience, Kedilchan has endured both economic and environmental challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread flooding. He now manages 51 acres of farmland, growing cassava, sweet potatoes, cabbage and broccoli.

“All my life. That’s my living,” he said.

From the early days of relying on hand tools and favourable weather, Kedilchan has seen Guyana’s agricultural sector shift towards more structured support and systems.

The pandemic, followed by heavy flooding, left him—like many other farmers—with significant losses and limited access to markets

“During COVID you could not take your produce to market. Who’s going to buy from you there? It’s a hiccup there. But things have changed now…. Everything is back to normal…. Whatever we produce, it sells. And it’s a free market, the government doesn’t fix a price for your produce,” he said.

Kedilchan credits government assistance for helping him recover. He receives free manure, planting materials, and infrastructural support, including dam upgrades and improved drainage.

“There’s like $9,000 or $10,000 for a bag of manure. Now they (the government) give us for free. Same for planting materials cost $1,200 per tray. They give you 20, 30 trays,” he said.

With markets now rebounding, he said every crop is finding buyers. But a shortage of labour, particularly male workers, is proving a challenge. Women assist with bean picking, but overall manpower remains limited.

Still, he remains committed to farming.

“For me personally, I’m happy with my farming, that’s my livelihood, and I’m happy.”

For Kedilchan, farming is more than an occupation—it is a way of life, a source of pride, and a commitment to keep growing.