MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has announced that rice farmers in Region Two are experiencing their highest-ever yield in rice production.
This significant achievement was revealed during the commissioning of the Cozier Pump Station, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing agricultural support in the region.
Despite ongoing challenges such as paddy bug infestations, the Minister emphasised that the government’s proactive measures have led to record-breaking results. Rice farmers in Region Two are now harvesting over 40 bags of paddy per acre, marking a historic production of approximately 6.2 hectares—an unprecedented milestone for the region.

Minister Mustapha credited these gains to the strategic investments made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. “We will continue to invest in the sector. The increase didn’t just happen; it’s a result of the investments made by the PPP/C Government,” he stated.
Over $4 billion has been allocated to strengthen agriculture in Region Two, with more than $261 million specifically dedicated to rehabilitating the Cozier Pump Station. This pump station plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation and water management for the region’s agricultural lands.

COMMITMENT TO FARMERS AND SECTOR TRANSFORMATION
During his address, Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the region’s farmers and the agricultural sector at large. He emphasised that the current administration views agriculture as a vital sector, contrary to previous claims that the rice industry was solely a private matter. The government, he noted, has always prioritised the concerns of farmers, making substantial investments to ensure their success.

Minister Mustapha also highlighted the broader transformation of the agriculture sector, attributing this progress to the government’s deliberate investments and initiatives. “The transformation in the agriculture sector is directly linked to these substantial investments,” he said.
The Minister also discussed Guyana’s regained leadership role in Caribbean agriculture, a position that was lost between 2015 and 2020 but has since been restored under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali. At the first CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Belize, Guyana reaffirmed its leadership in advancing food security and agriculture in the region.

Minister Mustapha praised President Ali’s contributions, stating, “President Irfaan Ali’s leadership in the Caribbean, particularly in advancing food security and agriculture, is recognised and applauded.” He added that the government remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to improve the livelihood of farmers and others involved in the agricultural sector.

As Region Two celebrates this historic yield, Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the government will continue its efforts to address challenges and create opportunities for further growth in the agriculture sector. The commissioning of the Cozier Pump Station marks yet another step towards ensuring that farmers have the resources they need to thrive, positioning Guyana as a regional leader in agricultural innovation and productivity.