-Agriculture Minister says, over 4000 metric tonnes of crops exported

THE exportation of non-traditional crops has allowed Guyana’s agriculture sector to earn a substantial amount of over $919 million, as confirmed by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.
Mustapha made the disclosure on Tuesday evening at the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s (GMC’s) Annual Award Ceremony and Dinner at the Ramada, Princess Hotel.

The agriculture minister has reported that, thanks to substantial investments in implementing climate-smart farming techniques and assisting local agro-processors, the country successfully exported over 4000 metric tonnes of non-traditional crops in the first quarter of 2024.
“In the first half of 2024 Guyana has made significant strides in exporting nontraditional agriculture goods, we have seen a 12.7 per cent increase compared to last year reaching over 4,156 metric tonnes with a value exceeding $919 million,” Mustapha said.
This, he noted, is a reflection of the sectors’ growing strength and diversification. He noted that this too will unlock new economic opportunities for local producers.
“I am particularly proud of the Guyana Shop and the Guyana Marketing Corporation which showcases and puts on sale over 3000 locally made products this one shop act as a vital platform for agro processors,” he added.
He noted further that Guyana is making tremendous contribution in reducing the regional food import bill by 25 per by the year 2025.
However, more support is needed for local agro-processors and producers to thrive.

“You the exporters are the bridge between our fields and the world. Through your dedication to quality, logistics and market research, you are transforming Guyanese produces into global brands… For too long we have relied on exporting raw material, leaving the value addition to other countries. You have to change that narrative,” the agriculture minister said.
He reminded of the country’s critical role in achieving regional food security targets.
Only recently, government initiated the bidding process for the $625.2 million project. The commencement of Phase One of the project took place in 2023, accompanied by an investment totalling $187 million. Now looking to implement the second phase, qualified contractors are being sought to participate in the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) process.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of US$14 million has been allocated for the regional food complex’s construction.
The food terminal will facilitate the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products, mainly obtained from the state of Roraima in Brazil.
Once the project is completed, Guyana is expected to become a regional trade, transportation, and logistics centre between Roraima, South America, and the Caribbean, enhancing bilateral trade connections between Guyana and Brazil.
The hub is also expected to generate more revenue and create employment opportunities in the post-harvest and agri-logistics industries in the country’s rural and remote regions.

Once completed, the terminal will provide vital services including cleaning, sorting, packaging, repackaging, labelling, and storing products in temperature-controlled units to ensure their quality and safety.
This project aligns with Guyana’s and the Caribbean Community’s CARICOM target of reducing the hefty food expenditure, slashing a US$6 billion import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.
The food hub will help reduce shipping costs for products from Roraima and address existing logistical challenges lowering the cost of fresh and processed agricultural products, benefitting both local consumers and regional markets by making food more affordable and accessible.