GUYANA earned in excess of US$8.8 million ($1.862 billion) in revenue from the exportation of non-traditional crops in 2023, as a result of significant investments made in the agricultural sector.

This was said during a recent news conference hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.
According to the minister, from January to November 2023, Guyana’s exports of non-traditional agricultural commodities totalled 8,926 tonnes, valued at G$1.862 billion or US$8.8 million.

This accounts for produce such as fruits, vegetables, seasonings, grain crops, oil seeds, spices roots and tuber crops, among other things.
Minister Mustapha said that the country had recorded a significant increase in production for the year.

“2023 has been a transformational year for Guyana’s agriculture sector. The government’s policy direction has enabled us to deliver on all the initiatives outlined in Manifesto Promises, Budget 2023.

“Through our programmes, we have continued to harness the potential of each sector, increasing productivity and competitiveness, and at the same time improved food security and self-sufficiency for our nation,” he said.

In Budget 2023, some $2 billion was allocated to increase production through expansion in acreages, and the use of technology with the rollout of three initiatives. Further investments were also made to increase the production of high-value and new crops.

To this end, the sums of $150 million, $153 million, and $200 million were allocated to advance the corn and soya bean project, citrus and spices project and the agriculture and innovative entrepreneurship programme, respectively.

In addition, preparation had begun for the expansion of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg and onions.
The government further committed to provide shadehouse materials to farmers at a reduced cost, and increase the distribution of farming equipment, seeds, seedling, and chemical fertilisers.

In a previous interview with this publication, the minister had said that the government remains cognisant of the impact that climate change has had on the agricultural sector, and the ministry has been working to minimise some of the challenges.
The minister said that in addition to promoting climate-smart agriculture, the ministry is also preparing to safeguard farmers and their produce.