–receive agri-business guidance

ENTREPRENEURSHIP and business development are crucial elements in the agriculture sector, and to ensure local farmers, agro-processors and budding agriculturists are fully equipped with the tools needed to thrive, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) held a capacity-building session on Tuesday.

Engaging stakeholders, GSA’s Chief Executive Officer Gavin Ramnarain emphasised the importance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and creating opportunities in production.

Agriculture, he noted, is a very ‘profitable business’, however, youths in the sector will need extra push and guidance to pursue agriculture as a business.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Blair, an adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted that adapting to change in agriculture and rural development is crucial for economic growth in Guyana.

Dr. Blair further emphasised the importance of the ‘cross-fertilization’ of ideas and practical learning.

The government, he noted, has been investing heavily in agriculture, diversifying and building the resilience of the sector to better support farmers.

He stressed the value of vision and boldness in empowering farmers, entrepreneurs and students.

Additionally, he noted that sessions like these would see stakeholders adapting to changing environments, enabling them to thrive in a globalised environment.

“I believe sessions such as this will allow you to get the tools to learn to innovate; adapt,” Dr. Blair said.

“It’s a good thing when all of you can come together and exchange ideas; it creates an environment [for] creativeness, innovation and adaptability,” he added.