–Agriculture Minister says; points to significant cultivation of spices in the region

REGION One (Barima-Waini) continues to make significant strides towards becoming a major centre for food production, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said.
Having achieved all of the targets set out in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s Manifesto for the agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha said that he is pleased with the overall success and performances within the sector.

During his year-end press conference on Saturday, he said that while the agriculture sector is praised and recognised for the integral role it plays in the production of livestock, cash crops, rice, and sugar, the production of spices in Guyana will be a game changer for the country as well as the region.
He related that although other farmers are cultivating spices in the various regions, the residents of Region One have been significantly concentrating on the production of spices on a large-scale basis, which, according to him, has put the area in a position to be called the ‘spice region’ of Guyana.

Minister Mustapha told the Sunday Chronicle: “Even though we were faced with some challenges, such as El Niňo during 2023, I was pleased that my ministry was able to accomplish all of our Manifesto promises and commitments towards the people of Guyana.”
In 2023, there was a significant increase in the production of spices, and the delivery of approximately $30 million in planting materials to farmers from Regions One and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who have invested in the cultivation of spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg.

“In the other crops also, we have seen a significant increase in ginger production, especially in Region One and some parts of Region Three. To date, we have a total of 250 acres of ginger, which was cultivated between August 2022 and May 2023. Over 216 farmers benefitted from planting materials for turmeric, and we will continue to increase production of the spice as well,” Minister Mustapha said.

The agriculture minister further related to the Sunday Chronicle that the Government of Guyana is not just focusing on the coastal plain of the country, but that they are also working to ensure that all Guyanese contribute and play their role in building the food basket of the Caribbean.
“When I took office from the previous administration, the agriculture sector was in a deplorable state; farmers had to take money out of their pockets to buy materials. I am pleased to say that under His Excellency President Ali’s leadership, we are ensuring that farmers are given the help that they require to make their lives better.

They are given lands for plants, and grants are facilitated by the government. We are ensuring that plant nurseries are placed in almost every region of Guyana,” Minister Mustapha said, adding:
“Going into 2024, we will continue to meet with our farmers to make their lives easier, and I would like to encourage more of our young people to get involved in the sector. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic can say in full confidence that we will work with you and see you grow, and together we will once again become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.”

Earlier this year, President Ali had revealed during the commissioning of the M.V. Ma Lisha that Region One is capable of producing all the high-value commodities that the ‘Twin Islands’ may use, such as cage-culture fish, cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, ginger, and turmeric.

According to President Ali: “This vessel opens up opportunities for food production, value-added food production, and economic opportunities for the people of Region One. We are celebrating the launch of a vessel that will serve the people of Region One, but we are launching a vessel that will serve the economic transformation and modernisation of Guyana; one that will serve the building out of Guyana as a major centre for food production.”