IN a dedicated effort to enhance the lives of farmers and the agricultural industry, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jagnarine Singh, emphasised their commitment to supporting the government across all facets of agriculture in Guyana, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Mr. Singh highlighted NAREI’s integral role in providing farmers with essential guidance and training in their specific fields of cultivation, aiming to improve production and understanding.
He noted the significant progress in agriculture under President Ali’s leadership since 2020, attributing this advancement to the President’s vision and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s determination to ensure farmers benefit from various aspects of agriculture. NAREI supports these efforts by offering technical assistance to farmers.

NAREI’s services include soil testing, early problem diagnosis, free distribution of fertilisers and the supply of seeds and planting materials.
Mr. Singh detailed the institute’s extensive training programmes in good agricultural practices, farm certification, and nursery certification, which are crucial for farmers to achieve international accreditation.

Expanding their capabilities, NAREI is currently upgrading its tissue culture and biochemistry support laboratory, expected to be completed this year. Additionally, the institute has recently upgraded its soil facility, which will soon be able to process thousands of soil samples annually for farmers.

Addressing the interest of younger generations in agriculture, Mr. Singh highlighted the government’s substantial investments in shade house agriculture, spending billions to demonstrate the financial benefits of farming without intense labour. Over 300 shade houses have been constructed, with a focus on secondary schools to provide students with hands-on agricultural experience.

NAREI is also extending its agricultural initiatives to prisons. Shade houses have been established at the Lusignan Prison, with NAREI staff serving on the prison board to foster closer relationships with inmates and highlight the benefits of agriculture. Similar projects have been implemented at the Mazaruni prison and the women’s prison in New Amsterdam, Region Six.

Collaboration with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) is another key aspect of NAREI’s efforts. Two shade houses at NAREI are designated for GSA students, allowing them to cultivate and grow produce of their choice, further ensuring that students benefit from the myriad opportunities available in agriculture.

Mr. Singh praised the dedication of NAREI’s staff, who consistently go beyond their duties to ensure that people benefit from the opportunities provided by the government and NAREI. Their efforts are crucial in advancing Guyana’s agricultural sector and supporting the country’s farmers.