In an effort to increase output volumes, improve quality and consistency, and provide market facilitation and support, Government is placing significant focus on diversifying Guyana’s economy, as it relates to agriculture and food supply for the domestic and export markets.
The new and emerging sectors promote the Agriculture Diversification Programme which targets an increase in the export of non-traditional agricultural commodities.
Government has allocated $1.3B for the continuation and expansion of the non-traditional sub-sectors which cater for agribusiness planning, extension services, technology transfer, and institutional strengthening.
The sum of $736M will be spent to rehabilitate the seed facility and the furnishing of the germplasm laboratory at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and to commence construction of a genetic ban at the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP). It is being facilitated under the Agriculture Export Diversification Programme (AEDP).
With the recent passing of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority Act in the National Assembly, farmers can now benefit from improved services through the streamlining of crop extension services, plant health and research, and the consolidation of livestock development programmes.
A further $350M will also be spent under the Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Programme (READ) to develop a market and enterprise information system to conduct a market identification and competitiveness assessment. There will also be training sessions for over 2,000 farmers in capacity building.
During 2009, major interventions were made in the sector as $490.2M was expended to further boost the diversification programme. This has seen major emphasis being placed on research and development for crops and livestock, key elements in the sector’s modernisation drive.
Apart from interventions made to further expand and diversify the non-traditional sectors, there will also be intense focus on working closely with small and medium-size operators in the sector, as well as promoting investment and growth by larger operators in high-end agriculture and aquaculture.
Five business facilitation centers were established in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and Ten, to further assist farmers in the research and identification of market opportunities. In addition, 1,092 farmers were trained in the safe use and management of pesticides, 182 in agribusiness, marketing and post harvest management, and 140 in sustainable aquaculture practice.
The aquaculture industry, which government is promoting, has been recognised as a sector with tremendous growth potential and has been targeted for development under Government’s National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS).
The industry is rapidly expanding as several pioneers are placing their produce on the local market and engaging in expansion of their businesses. To date, there has been an increase in the production of fingerlings, with a record 89,232 fingerlings produced in 2009 compared to 20,000 in 2008.
Under the swine multiplication programme, 3,240 units were distributed, while improved breeds of cattle, sheep and goats were also multiplied and distributed.
Fourteen agronomists and three veterinarians were added to the system to further boost the operations of the sector.
In keeping with the objective to diversify the product base of the non-traditional sector, Government will facilitate closer collaboration with farmers and investors. This is in an effort to promote the production of fruits and vegetables in keeping with export standards.
Continued support will also be provided through training of farmers on good agricultural practices, agribusiness planning, marketing and post-harvest management, provision of additional equipment and the establishment of a Guyana brand, which will give local products a more competitive edge on the international market. (GINA)