AGRICULTURE continues to enjoy much attention in Guyana and the Caribbean, with many more people cognisant of the need to produce more food here instead of depending on our costly, vulnerable, extra-regional supply chains.

The attention to agriculture in Guyana was apparent at the recently concluded Agri-Investment Forum, and Expo held last weekend at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Georgetown. Though not as extravagant as the year before, which was the first year it was held, the event helped producers market their products and spotlight some of the new technologies and partnerships in the sector.

The latter, for me, is of great importance. New technologies and partnerships are crucial as we grapple with an increased need to produce more food amid a volatile external environment where we are grappling with one of if not the biggest threats: Climate change.

It has been said that more investments are needed in the agricultural sector, but many agree that investing in new technologies and solutions is a better way of spending money. In Guyana and other parts of the region, hydroponics projects are growing in relevance and being embraced more. These farms use less land area, and allow farmers to grow crops in a nutrient-based solution. Shadehouses, cage fishing, and the use of drone technology to apply pesticides or fertilisers are also newer technologies being embraced. With these, it is envisioned that food production can become more efficient even if fewer traditional resources (such as land or manpower) are used.

It isn’t a bad bet. The focus on new technologies comes when there are concerns about the region’s farming population. Officials from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have lamented ad nauseam that the region’s farming population is ageing. Further, a 2020 report from the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD) noted that an ageing population is consistent across nearly all Caribbean states. An increased focus has been on getting more youth interested and involved in agriculture. Guyana’s ‘One Guyana’ farming project is a good example of this, but technology is also increasingly important.

Now, there is something else decision-makers in the region are paying attention to. That is data for agriculture.

At the opening ceremony of this year’s Agri-Investment Forum, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, announced several new initiatives that will allow the region to leverage data to improve farming. He said the Guyana School of Agriculture will be transformed into a Centre of Excellence for the region. It is worth mentioning that President Ali is the lead Head of State for agriculture and nutrition in CARICOM’s quasi-cabinet; he is tasked with driving regional efforts to guarantee our food security and achieve the regional goal of reducing expensive extra-regional food imports by 24 per cent by 2025.

He also announced that a ‘situation room’ will be developed to allow Guyanese farmers to access key data needed, including weather or soil data, which, if analysed properly, should allow them to tailor their planting strategies in response. Additional details on this venture are not yet available, but I figure there will be room for real-time engagement with farmers so that they can employ data-driven strategies instead of responding more ad hoc to any changes that would affect their production. At that ceremony, the President also announced that new “technological” jobs will be created. Later, he launched the US$4.5 million hydroponics project for youth in Region Two, Five, and 10.

To date, there remains a need for huge investments so that the region can become more food secure. However, interest and political will seem to be high, so there is some optimism that food security isn’t just a lofty goal. Perhaps with greater emphasis on technology and data in agriculture, the region may be better positioned to satisfy its food needs.

If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous work, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com