– Who we are and what we do

TO inform readers and remind our beneficiaries, NAREI in Focus will be sharing information on the Institute and the invaluable services we provide to thousands of farmers across Guyana.

By now the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has become a household name. Our local farming community has benefitted tremendously from the agricultural services we offer free of cost. Our services fall under three broad categories: Research, Extension Services and Quarantine Services.

The Institute was previously known as the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). NAREI was created to develop and extend the necessary technology and support services to facilitate national agricultural development.

We are the premier research and extension institute in the field of crops (excluding rice and sugarcane), fruits and vegetables, biofuels as well as for plant quarantine services throughout the country.

Our Mission
“To advise, develop and transfer appropriate systems to promote balanced, diversified and sustained agricultural production through adaptive and investigative research using a market-driven approach and a range of regulatory services to the sector.”

Our Vision
“To ensure food security and the empowerment of farming communities and to enhance their livelihoods through improved and environmentally friendly technologies.”
Our Research Department is staffed with qualified and vibrant Research Scientists and Research Assistants. They work assiduously to ensure that accurate, cost-effective technology is developed and tested before being transferred to our farmers through Extension Services.

The Research Department has five strategic areas: Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department; Fruits, Vegetables & Other Crops- Seed Technology; Plant Biotechnology & Genetic Resources; Bioenergy; and Plant Pathology & Entomology.
This week we will look at the Fruits, Vegetables & Other Crops- Seed Technology, which focuses on improving and sustaining food production. Our work helps to conserve natural resources and promote healthy and active lives by creating and disseminating knowledge in the Plant Sciences.

We are actively pursuing our objectives:
To develop quality seeds of locally adapted varieties.
To breed seeds for tolerance to adverse conditions such as drought, marginal soils and soil acidity.

To develop appropriate production packages for sustainable agriculture.

To conserve germplasm of important crops.
How can we help you?
The department provides the following services: breeding; developing production packages; multiplying basic seed; and collecting, characterising and conserving plant genetic resources (germplasm).
Laboratory services
germination test
moisture test
purity tests
Training services
Sensitises and inform students, farmers, extension officers/agents and other stakeholders on new and developing technologies.