THE massive investments in agriculture by Guyana were lauded by the CARICOM) Programme Manager for Agriculture and Industry, Mr. Sergio Garcia.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said the investing is validated by this country’s food secure status and the rest of the Caribbean Region can take advantage of its experiences through partnerships. “There are countries, like Guyana, that are agriculturally inclined and it is time for the agriculture trend to focus on a new paradigm,” Garcia posited.
He advocated that agriculture must be market led but has to maintain a balancing act, which is producing to make a profit while ensuring that consumers have wholesome and high quality food.
“It can be done,” Garcia maintained.
He said the problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be prevented if people have better diets.
Garcia reiterated that to invest in agriculture can have many other spin-off benefits, everything from a healthier population to a better economical position.
According to him, agriculture is the future in the development of the Region.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud shares a similar view, positing that, locally, agriculture diversification is a primary pillar on which to broaden the productive base of the Guyanese economy.
The total allocation for the sector in the 2011 Budget is $9.1 billion and the portfolio Ministry is expected to further accelerate its programme to diversify and modernise.
“It is well known that the agricultural sector has the greatest growth multiplier and, as such, is crucial for the growth and developments of our economy. These investments are expected to deliver,” Persaud stated.

Key areas
Key areas of emphasis this year are:
* construction of a genetic bank at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA);
* rehabilitation of the germ plasm laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI);
* rehabilitation of quarantine stations, control structures and access roads at Canal Polders;
* purchase of field, inspection and laboratory equipment;
* commencement of construction of an abattoir;
* expansion of agricultural lands to bring new areas under cultivation;
* addition of an increased number of pumps and the construction and rehabilitation of key drainage and irrigation structures;
* improving access roads for farm to market linkage and
* training to enhance the technical capacity of farmers.