– $19.7 billion allocated to upgrade drainage, irrigation countrywide

GUYANA’S agricultural sector is positioned for extensive growth, with billions of dollars allocated to it in the 2023 National Budget to reclaim its title as the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Monday presented the national budget at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he disclosed that some $19.7 billion had been allocated for the upgrade of drainage and irrigation networks across the country.

Dr Singh, during his presentation to the national assembly, stated that the government is conscious of the importance of having adequate, effective and reliable drainage infrastructure for the safety and security of its people.

“Since returning to office, our government has resumed giving the sector the attention it deserves, focusing on its restoration and enhancement with strong, decisive leadership at both national and regional levels to mould a robust agricultural sector that will transform lives, livelihoods and landscapes,” the Finance Minister said.

Additionally, the budget highlights a $2 billion allocation for increasing production through expansion in acreages and the use of technology with the rollout of three initiatives.

In this regard, the minister disclosed that the government will be partnering with the private sector to see the rollout of the three initiatives:
The establishment of a regional food hub, greater use of science, technology, research and development and the promotion of agriculture in the hinterland regions.

Meanwhile, further investments will be made in increasing the production of high-value and new crops.

“Aligned with the agricultural diversification agenda, government continues to expand non-traditional agriculture, with particular focus on research and development, and the production of high-value commodities.”

To this end, the sums of $150 million, $153 million, and $200 million have been allocated for advancing the corn and soya bean project, citrus and spices project and the agriculture and innovative entrepreneurship programme.

Further, in 2023, government will invest in new agro-processing facilities in Crabwood Creek and Orealla, construct a new cold-storage facility in Bartica, and procure two new refrigerated trucks to support the transport of inputs and agro products.

“Agro processors will also benefit from the establishment of another Guyana Shop and a marketing information centre at Bartica. Moreover, the regional food hub referred to above will provide strong impetus to agro-processing and value-added food production,” Dr Singh said.

LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES
Meanwhile, much focus will also be placed on advancing the country’s fisheries and livestock industries.

The Finance Minister said: “[The] Livestock sector is vital to government’s plans for enhanced food security, sustainable economic growth, and enhanced farm incomes. With high and growing demand for animal-sourced food products both locally and internationally, the livestock sector is poised for further expansion, which can simultaneously bring economic value to underutilized pasture lands, while creating further avenues for investment, employment and bolster farm household incomes.”

To this end, Dr Singh said the government will continue to support the industry by undertaking investments to help improve the quality of milk and milk products through better sanitation and hygiene practices, improve mutton variety and production, establish a bio-secured small ruminant breeding facility and invest in a broiler breeder facility which will reduce dependency on importation of hatching eggs.

As it pertains to the fisheries industry, Dr Singh said the government will continue its support of fisherfolk and is assiduously working to provide the necessary assistance and technical support to promote innovation and productivity within the marine and aquaculture industries, with an allocation $349.6 million for the expansion of brackish-water shrimp sub-sector.

SUGAR AND RICE
Remembering the traditional industries, Singh noted that investments will be made to adopt new mechanisms for better production and yields of both the rice and sugar industries.

An allocation of $4 billion will go to the Guyana Sugar Corporation ( GuySuCo) for commencement of construction of the Albion Packaging Plant and the expansion of the capacity of the Blairmont Packaging Plant.

Meanwhile, over $300 million will be allocated to promote production and productivity in the rice sector. Emphasis will be placed on research and development to improve yields to implement alternatives to insecticides to control the paddy-bug problem.

The allocation will also make room for constructing two new drying floors in Regions Three and Five; introducing new bio-fortified rice varieties; securing new markets for the rice industry and advancing other initiatives.