GUYANA is on an ambitious journey to strengthen its agricultural sector and reduce its high food-import bill.

The government’s commitment to promoting high-value crops, in addition to the establishment of model hydroponic farms, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing food security, not only for Guyana, but for the entire Region.

For decades, Guyana has faced the challenge of a significant food-import bill. The country has relied heavily on the importation of food items to meet the dietary needs of its population.

This over-reliance on foreign markets not only threatened the country’s food security, but also drains valuable foreign-exchange reserves.

In a move to address this issue, the Guyana government has prioritised the cultivation of high-value crops as a means of increasing domestic food production.

High-value crops such as exotic fruits, spices, and specialty vegetables, have the potential to generate substantial revenues in both domestic and international markets.

This approach not only helps to reduce the food-import bill, but also boosts the incomes of local farmers and contributes to diversification of the agricultural sector.

One of the key initiatives in this endeavour is the establishment of the model hydroponics farm at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Hydroponics, a soil-less farming technique, offers a sustainable and efficient way to grow crops in controlled environments. The NAREI model farm serves as a blueprint for Guyana’s agricultural transformation. It showcases the possibilities of producing high-value crops with significantly higher yields and quality, while using fewer resources and less land.

The advantages of hydroponics are numerous, especially in a country such as Guyana, where arable land is limited and traditional farming methods are subject to unpredictable weather patterns and climate change.

By adopting hydroponics on a larger scale, Guyana can secure a consistent supply of high-value crops, regardless of external factors. Moreover, hydroponics allows for year-round cultivation, reducing the nation’s vulnerability to seasonal fluctuations in food production.

To further extend the benefits of this innovative approach, the Government of Guyana is planning to replicate hydroponics farms across the country, as announced by President, Dr Irfaan Ali.

By encouraging farmers to adopt this technology, Guyana aims to bolster its food security and encourage economic growth in rural areas. This expansion is not only about improving Guyana’s self-sufficiency, but it is also about contributing to regional food-security efforts.

The initiative to promote high-value crops and hydroponics is not just a national endeavour, it is a regional solution to a common challenge. Many Caribbean countries face similar issues of high food-import bills and vulnerability to external factors that affect food supplies. Guyana’s success in diversifying its agricultural sector and promoting efficient farming methods can serve as a model for the entire Caribbean. Over $90 billion is expected to be expended this year to advance Guyana’s agricultural pursuits.

As Guyana leads the way in promoting high-value crops and hydroponics, it is crucial that the nation shares its experiences, knowledge, and technology with its Caribbean neighbours. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can strengthen regional food security and reduce dependence on expensive food imports.