MINISTER of Agriculture, the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha recently launched the Ministry of Agriculture’s Art and Essay Competitions in observance of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.

Those at the launch included Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mr. Jagnarine Singh; Country Representative of The Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr. Gillian Smith, Country Representative of IICA, Mr Wilmot Garnett.s

The ministry collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), to launch Guyana’s programme of activities for the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021 under the theme, “Good for You.”

Guyana’s programme of activities includes the art and essay competitions, Fruits and Vegetables Exhibition, Farmer’s Markets, raising awareness on the food-safety standards and guidelines for fruits and vegetables and prevention of food loss and waste.

Minister Mustapha noted that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is paramount to promoting a balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger. Fruits and Vegetables are “Good for you,” they are rich in vitamins, minerals and are an excellent source of dietary fibre and they strengthen our immune systems. They are also a good way to generate income for farmers.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the food supply and linkages, the need to transform and rebalance the way food is produced and consumed has become even more apparent. The observance of the International Year of Fruits and vegetables 2021 is a timely reminder of the importance of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security, health and economic prosperity,” the minister stated.

According to NAREI’s CEO, Mr. Jagnarine Singh, the launch represents an important milestone in Guyana’s agricultural development index and serves as a reminder of the importance of fruits and vegetables for healthy lives.

“The Government of Guyana through its agency NAREI is tasked with delivering technology to farmers that will allow increased production and productivity,” he added.

Mr. Singh noted that by 2030 the world’s population is projected to grow to roughly 8.3 billion people. This is an opportune time for our farmers and producers to look at more innovative ways in which the value-added sector can be better transformed, taking Guyana to a sustainable food and agricultural sector.