—says Minister Mustapha; laments transportation woes caused by inclement weather, COVID-19

DESPITE transportation woes and challenges created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has assured stakeholders that there is no shortage of beef on the local market, as the government is continuously examining ways to ensure that the commodity reaches consumers.
The minister provided this assurance during a recent meeting with stakeholders in the beef industry.
In recent weeks, concerns have been raised by consumers and meat vendors about a reduction in beef supplies and a hike in prices due to limited quantities.
It is for this reason that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) conducted an assessment of the complaints and found that the weather conditions and COVID-19 were affecting the transportation of meat from wholesalers to the markets.

“We can safely conclude that there is not a shortage of beef in the country, but there are some problems with supply and we can resolve that supply problem.
“As a government, it is very important that we sit with you, the main stakeholders in the industry, and look at what is causing some of the issues, and the factors which have also caused an increase in the cost of this important commodity,” Minister Mustapha told those persons gathered at the recent meeting.
He said efforts were being made to ensure that the quality and quantity of beef remain sufficient for consumers.
“My main aim as the Minister of Agriculture, and the government’s aim is to ensure that the cost of the meat is reachable. Consumers must afford to be able to purchase it and we don’t have a shortage.

“In the case of beef, the government is putting systems in place to ensure our local producers and stakeholders benefit handsomely from our interventions,” he said.
Minister Mustapha commended the stakeholders for attending the meeting, adding that it shows their interest in ensuring food security locally.
Statistics have shown that almost six million pounds of beef were produced locally in 2020, with the current price ranging between $360 to about $600 per pound.
Livestock Specialist at GLDA, Michael Welch, spoke about the significant contribution livestock makes to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said Guyana’s total domestic beef consumption stands at about three million kilogrammes, and more than 90 per cent of that amount is produced locally. (DPI)