President Ali’s leadership praised for food security achievements

IN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana’s pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.

Speaking under the theme “Rights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” Minister Mustapha highlighted the government’s efforts under President Irfaan Ali’s leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.

Guyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme “Transforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,” has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.

These two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana’s agricultural prowess and position it as the “food hub of the Caribbean.”

“On this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,” said Minister Mustapha. “With strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.”

He called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.

One of the highlights of Guyana’s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.

He credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.

President Ali’s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.

Guyana’s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country’s ambition to become the “breadbasket of the Caribbean.” As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.

Minister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana’s progress in reducing severe food insecurity—currently 25.5% lower than the regional average—was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.

The World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana’s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government’s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.

As Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean’s agricultural leader, the nation’s progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.