THE targeted sugar production of 219,000 tonnes is still one that is expected to be met, according to Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

“The last number I have places production at 165,000 tonnes so far, but we are still hoping to make our target,” he said.
The overall target for 2014 was been moved from 216,000 tonnes to 219,000 tonnes.
The first crop was successful, surpassing the 75,000 tonnes target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes.
He acknowledged the challenges that face the sector, but stressed that efforts are being taken to address these.
Additionally, a $6B allocation in the 2014 National Budget for GuySuCo was approved by the National Assembly. The $6B is expected to cover expenditures that include mechanisation, through the conversion of 2,500 hectares of land to be suitable for mechanical operations, which will be done at a cost of $1.1B, tillage and replanting of 9,200 hectares, both efforts being consistent with improving cane production and yield, which will be done at a cost $1B.
In addition, there will be factory upgrading of all sugar estates, including Skeldon, at a cost of $2B and works to field infrastructure to improve field to factory access and purchasing of equipment, excavators, bell loaders, tractors, etc. to account for the remainder of the allocation.
Sugar production came in at a dismal 186,500 tonnes for 2013, but Guyana has been taking steps to turn around the sugar industry and hopes to meet the 300,000 tonnes-target soon, with a projection that the sector will reach its 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.
Despite its challenges, the industry, according to Government, remains relevant to the health of the national economy. In 2013, sugar exports accounted for 8.3 per cent of total exports valued at US$112.2M and the industry contributed 3.9 per cent of the country’s GDP.

(Vanessa Narine)