–gov’t stands ready to co-invest, Dr Jagdeo says

THE government has expressed an interest in co-investing with private sector enterprises to develop agro-processing facilities in hinterland areas, in order to boost agriculture production and attain food security.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, at a press conference on Thursday, said that it was difficult for residents in the hinterland areas to participate in the oil and gas industry, which is why the government is pushing to develop the agriculture sector in those communities.

“The government is prepared to put the investment in, even co-investing in processing facilities with businesses. So, if they produce the stuff, we can co-invest with someone to get this done,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Additionally, a major nursery will be established in Region One to deal with the issue of the lack of planting materials for plantain production.

Dr Jagdeo said the Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with upgrading certification for agro-processors in the hinterland so that, “our products can sail directly into the Caribbean from these areas, without having to come to the coast, because the coast cannot be a market for their plantains. They would face serious competition from growers who are producing on the coast already.”
He said that programme was being worked upon in all areas that have experienced challenges in the agriculture sector, including Matthew’s Ridge, Aranka, Four Miles and Mabaruma.
It also aims to expand the range of products that Guyana is currently producing and exporting. This forms part of a wider aggressive food security agenda that is being led by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in the Caribbean Community.

Meanwhile, the government has recommenced engagements with India to develop the local spice industry.

“We have resumed all the discussions we have had with India …. On greater productivity in the rice sector and cane by maybe even doubling the output in these sectors with just a change in the variety of the plants that we use,” Dr Jagdeo added.

Guyana is leading the Caribbean region in reducing the US$5 billion food-import bill to 25 per cent by the year 2025.