-Minister Mustapha says over $4B invested to boost agriculture

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday handed over two mini excavators to the Region Two administration and a long-boom excavator to Bethany, an Amerindian community.

Speaking at a ceremony held in the Drainage and Irrigation compound in Anna Regina, Minister Mustapha emphasised that the addition of these three pieces of equipment brings the total number of equipment in the region to 20.

He noted that from 2020 to 2024, the region received 11 new machines, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in the agricultural sector.

“We recognise Region Two as an agriculture-based area, and we are making the necessary investments. This crop season, millers are purchasing paddy at no less than $4,000 per bag, which didn’t happen by chance; the government played a crucial role,” the minister said.

He further emphasised that whenever the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is in government, the agricultural sector flourishes.

For the first time in history, the Essequibo Coast is cultivating 36,000 acres of rice in a season.

With the expanded acreage, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) expects to surpass 700,000 tons in rice production.

Additionally, Minister Mustapha noted that farmers in the region have received fertiliser twice within the past four years, demonstrating the government’s recognition of agriculture’s vital role.

A total of $4 billion has been invested in Region Two to strengthen the agricultural sector.

“The equipment we are handing over, procured by NDIA, will be used in housing areas to improve drainage for residents,” he stated.

Further, he said that a work programme will be developed for the use of the machines in various communities, and the equipment will be made available to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Anna Regina Town Council to
enhance the drainage network.

Meanwhile, Madanlall Ramraj, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture emphasised the significant financial investment made to boost agriculture in Region Two.

Ramraj noted that the residents’ requests for machinery were heard during community meetings, and efforts were made to meet those needs.

He pledged to continue working with the region to improve all sectors.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva expressed gratitude to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the equipment, acknowledging the region’s need for such resources.

She noted that the equipment would greatly improve the livelihoods of residents and later highlighted the government’s focus on expanding farmlands under the Ministry of Agriculture.

With many cash-crop farmers now in production, she emphasised the region’s appreciation for the continued investment.