Dear Editor,
I AM amazed at the progress made to restore Guyana’s economy and, more so, the agriculture sector over the last three to four years. The government under the leadership of President Ali has done a tremendous job and their efforts should be applauded. They have indeed worked for the people.
As I mentioned before, the agriculture sector has seen tremendous growth under this administration. When the President appointed Minister Mustapha to guide the sector, he made an excellent decision. Minister Mustapha is undoubtedly one of the most active Cabinet Ministers and has proven himself to be the man for the job as he is always on the ground engaging the people and making interventions to further develop the sector.
There is so much to be said for Guyana’s agriculture sector. So many things have been accomplished in such a short period. So many of the commitments that were made to the people while the government was in opposition have been delivered, and despite global challenges, the sector continues to prove itself resilient.
When the government got into office in 2020, it made good on the commitment to reverse the imposed increases on land rentals within the MMA Scheme. This is the largest agricultural scheme in the country, so just imagine the impact that this intervention has had on the farmers in that area.
Rice production has also seen tremendous improvements. More lands are being planted, higher yields are recorded, more markets are being secured, and farmers are now benefitting from additional support to complement their production.
The ministry’s GRDB has also launched two new varieties in the last three years, demonstrating the government’s commitment to research and development to boost this industry.
The sugar industry, after being starved of government support for five years under the previous administration, is also seeing improvements. The reopening of the Rose Hall estate was a testament to the government’s commitment to the people of this country and the development of such an important industry.
The livestock industry has also seen its fair share of development. New breeds of animals are being introduced for cattle, small ruminants, and poultry. Production is increasing as farmers are now benefitting from artificial insemination and embryo transplant services.
Additionally, efforts are also being made to produce the inputs necessary to produce feed to support this sector. With the large-scale cultivation of corn and soya beans being undertaken in the Tacama Savannah, Guyana is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient in producing feed for the livestock sector by the end of 2025.
Another milestone for the sector is the rapid increase in the use of climate-smart agricultural techniques. To date, the ministry has been able to facilitate the construction of approximately 400 shade houses across the country. Women and youth are also playing a greater role in these initiatives as the President has mandated that all agricultural initiatives must comprise no less than 35per cent of women and youths.
Many of these youths are now involved in the cultivation of high-value crops such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower under the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP). Guyana is also home to the largest hydroponics farm in the Caribbean with the capacity to produce 100,000 heads of leafy vegetables like lettuce, pakchoi, basil, kale, rocket, and mustard.
This project will soon be replicated in Regions Two, Five, and 10. Last December, the President himself turned the sod for the commencement of the Region Two project at the GSA Campus.
The fisheries sector has also seen massive development and improvements in production. In particular, brackish water shrimp production, having increased by just about 600 per cent, speaks volumes. The ministry has now embarked on the production of prawns, an industry that promises great financial benefits to all the farmers who will be involved.
Cage culture was also introduced to boost the village economies of Indigenous villages. Villagers are already harvesting Tambaqui, a species considered a delicacy that attracts quite a substantial market price.
Guyana has stepped up to play that lead role in CARICOM, paving the way for regional food and nutrition security. Our Minister is also cheering the Ministerial Taskforce set up by CARICOM to guide the implementation of policies geared towards lowering the regional food import bill by 25 per cent by the end of 2025.
There is no doubt that we are being recognised for our agricultural pursuits and accomplishments. Only recently Guyana hosted the 38th FAO Regional Conference. Never in Guyana’s history have we been afforded such a prestigious honour.
Minister Mustapha was also elected to serve as Chair for the Conference’s proceedings and special meetings for the next two.
This is another astonishing accomplishment for Guyana. The government was also able to host two successful Regional Agriculture Forum and Expos.
I said all that to say this, Guyana’s agriculture sector is on the right track. New investments are being made to boost the sector, farmers are getting the support of central government, and production levels are at an all-time high. If we continue along these lines, we will be able to once again become the food basket of the Caribbean.
Yours truly,
Ron McKenzie
