Lindener produces book on ‘Composting’ to boost agriculture

Omali Dare was born and raised in the mining town of Linden, Region Ten. His family had a small integrated farm in their yard in which they reared chickens and cultivated cash crops for household consumption. These younger years of his life is what moulded Omali’s interest in agriculture and the environment.

After completing his secondary education, he joined the University of Guyana where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Environmental studies. He said that back then they would have accumulated a lot of organic waste with no environmentally friendly means of waste disposal.  As a result, they had to resolve to use unofficial disposal sites. It was during his years at the tertiary institution that he noticed the need for proper waste disposal methods and began research towards writing a book.

“I always wanted to write a book but never had I imagined that it would occur at this early stage in my life,” Omali said during his interview with the Big Smith News Watch said, that he began writing the book in 2016 but started official writing in 2017.

His first book is titled The Potential of Composting’ And is based on compositing waste. Composting as explained by the author is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and boost plants growth.

The young author who is a current student studying for a Master’s degree in Water Management and Governance in the Netherlands, said “I chose this topic because I saw a problem in the production of organic household waste with no environmentally friendly means of disposal. I wanted to find solutions, and I thought with composting that it just might be possible.”

The book comes at a time when local Guyanese are encouraged to grow more for local consumption in an effort to combat the rising cost of agricultural products being sold on the market.

The author is of the belief that there is a lot of potential in Guyana when it comes to agriculture. He noted however there isn’t enough technical expertise to work along with farmers. As such the majority of farmers have poor knowledge about composting.

“The book offers key recommendations and a number of methods that can be used to achieve effective composting. Also, to spread awareness and to help farmer choose the most suitable forms of composting. This will boost their individual production,” he said.

Omali said the book offers viable means of reducing organic waste that makes up fifty percent of waste in towns and villages. He further explained that composting can reduce garbage buildup and positively contribute to the agriculture sector. He noted that the book offers guidance for farmers that can be used throughout the ten regions in Guyana.

“The nutrient rich soil amendment can support our agricultural sector and provide us with healthy crops. This will reduce our dependency on synthetic fertilizers and reduce the contamination risks associated with it,” Omali explained.

His book is book is available on sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Morebooks and Libri. Hard copies will be soon made available to the Guyanese public.