THE issue of food demand  seems to be escalating almost on a daily basis in a global context. Many will agree that no one should starve for food in Guyana, except if they are too lazy to plant, and we have achieved the MDG on food security. However, this is because the government has encouraged and promoted mechanisms for the nation’s farmers to produce more, especially with the “Grow more food campaign” and the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture”.
Nations worldwide continually endure hefty price increases for fuel , which triggers a domino effect on agriculture and other sectors; but Guyana’s government has created many facilitating mechanisms to cushion the negative impacts of these , as well as the effects of climate change that have been decimating farmers’ crops for years; but mitigating and adaptation processes have been implemented, and are continuing apace, with the Hope and Cunja canals being of primary importance to the survival of both the farming and residential communities on the coast, and other interventions of a similar nature being undertaken countrywide.
A while back, there was a hike in wheat on the world market, and as a consequence, flour prices increased in Guyana by 25 percent. Now rice is taking centre stage, with the government of Guyana encouraging more rice production, as well as diversification into non-traditional crop cultivation and export.
Several Caribbean trading partners are all targeting Guyana as their source of supply of food items, especially rice, with the additional Venezuelan and other markets share expanding incrementally.
The agriculture minister needs to work with the farmers closely to boost large-scale production, because a drive around Guyana reveals that there’s no shortage of agricultural land. What is more noticeable lately is that many former rice fields have now been converted into sub-divisions.
Guyana has to cash in now and be a key competitor with others on the world market. The opportunity is once again here and Guyana should take full advantage of it.
Guyanese have the ability to beat the high food prices. With a fertile soil and cattle-acquired manure, almost anything grows in Guyana.
In countries with seasonal climates, almost all foods are being imported and they fetch very high prices.
It is a fact that many overseas-based Guyanese, primarily in North America, do support Guyanese products, for which there is a great demand.
Guyana needs to tap even further into the North American and European markets, which are very lucrative. Many Guyanese in North America and Europe always want their “back-home” food on the table.
Arrangements should be made for Guyanese in North America and Europe to get more local products. There is a large Guyanese consuming public there, but visitors are prohibited from taking back vegetables and fruits, especially in the United States.
While Guyana is looking at ways to attract foreign currency in tourism, agriculture is being largely ignored and this could be the biggest earner of much needed foreign dollars.
Many overseas-based Guyanese are ready and willing to support Guyana’s economy by buying local, because there is no taste like home.