–Minister McCoy says

WITH innovation at its core, Guyana is poised to not only fulfil its ambition of becoming the “breadbasket” of the Caribbean but also pave the way for a new era of agricultural prosperity across the region.

This was according to the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister of Guyana, Kwame McCoy, who was at the time explaining the imperative for a paradigm shift in attitude towards technology adoption, particularly among traditional farmers.

“The use of technology can essentially transform local agriculture systems in Guyana,” he said during a panel discussion at the 19th International Convention and Fair, Informática 2024, hosted in Havana, Cuba.
Guyana has been making bold strides towards reshaping the agricultural landscape of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM.)

It has emerged as a pivotal player, aiming to slash the region’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.
Minister McCoy told the conference that not only is Guyana spearheading this ambitious plan, but leveraging cutting-edge Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to revolutionise its agricultural sector.

He stressed that agriculture, inherently dynamic and data-driven, demands real-time information for informed decision-making.
Minister McCoy, as such, emphasised the pivotal role of digital technologies in providing farmers with crucial data and insights.

“Access to information is crucial in decision-making for viable and sustainable agricultural business,” he affirmed.
According to Minister McCoy, Guyana’s Agricultural Technology (AgTech) initiatives stand as a testament to its commitment to harnessing ICTs for agricultural advancement.

Additionally, investments by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in drones equipped with multi-spectrum cameras and sophisticated software promise to revolutionise chemical application, leading to increased sugar recoveries and productivity while curbing costs.

Guyana is also forging ahead with the development of a rice production monitoring system, aimed at digitising rice lands to enhance data collection and analysis.
Minister McCoy pointed out that this initiative is anticipated to bolster efficiency and reliability in monitoring crucial production field data, including sowing, harvesting, yield, and loss.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is set to integrate geospatial technology into their data collection and monitoring processes, facilitating precise monitoring of crop and livestock practices, soil health, and irrigation patterns.
This strategic integration, the minister said, is poised to optimise agricultural practices and resource management.

Additionally, Guyana’s commitment to agricultural innovation is underscored by the establishment of a state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).
This facility will serve as a hub for crop improvement initiatives, fostering enhanced crop diversity and resilience in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.

This year, the government has budgeted approximately GY$97.6 billion for agriculture for investments in drainage, irrigation, flood management, and supporting different sub-sectors like sugar, rice, coconut, and other high-value crops.

Additionally, there are substantial funds allocated for agro-processing, poultry, aquaculture, and fisheries, indicating a comprehensive approach to agricultural development
The budget also highlights the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, with substantial investments in roads, bridges, and community roadworks to facilitate agricultural activities and enhance connectivity across the country.