WITH coconut proving to be one of the most profitable crops in Guyana and globally, Ricky Roopchand, Managing Director of Hope Coconut Industry, has announced a significant milestone for the local coconut industry. One of the first batches of Brazilian Green Dwarf seedlings, imported into Guyana in December 2022, is set to begin production this year, marking a major step forward in the country’s agricultural development.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Roopchand expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback received from coconut farmers who have planted the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut and eagerly anticipate its production. Due to overwhelming demand, the nurseries are currently out of stock of these high-yielding seedlings. As a result, additional seed nuts have been ordered from Brazil and are expected to arrive in April 2025 to replenish the nurseries.
“Coconut is part of the food chain, and all of us are interconnected, regardless of the sector we work in. Whether it is energy, food production, or oil and gas, we must all contribute to our respective fields. Farmers in Guyana are now in a prime position to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government,” Roopchand stated.

While acknowledging the economic benefits of the oil industry, Roopchand emphasised the importance of agriculture as a sustainable source of income. “Oil is flowing now, but we cannot solely depend on it, as it is a finite resource. Agriculture, on the other hand, is here to stay, and it is satisfying to see our progress in this field,” he added.
The coconut industry has already achieved its goal of cultivating 1,000 acres in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Roopchand revealed plans to expand production to 2,000 acres to meet the increasing demand for high-yielding coconuts. To support this expansion, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and Hope Estate are collaborating to import additional seed nuts from overseas.

Currently, Guyana faces a limited supply of seed nuts due to the high demand for coconut water. Roopchand disclosed that efforts are underway to source approximately 120,000 seed nuts, both locally and internationally, to meet industry needs. “To produce 100,000 seedlings for 2025, spanning the allocated 2,000 acres of land, we need 120,000 seed nuts to account for a 20 percent loss after germination,” he explained.

Most of these seed nuts will be sourced from Brazil, as the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut is in high demand and has performed exceptionally well under Guyana’s climatic conditions.
The introduction of the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut is expected to drive intensive research and significantly impact the local coconut industry. This was highlighted by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Country Representative for the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Jhaman Kundun, and General Manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, in their discussion with the Guyana Chronicle.

Minister Mustapha underscored the growing significance of coconut cultivation, stating that the crop has become increasingly lucrative on the global market. He described the latest advancements as a potential “game changer” for the industry, especially given the current trajectory of the non-traditional agricultural sector in Guyana.

The minister further elaborated on the benefits of the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut, describing it as a “three-year, high-breed coconut” with the capacity to produce copra, water, and oil. This development has reignited interest in coconut farming, attracting both experienced cultivators and a new generation of young farmers eager to participate in the agricultural sector.

As Guyana continues to strengthen its position in the international coconut community, the expansion of coconut cultivation and the introduction of high-yielding varieties promise a bright future for the industry, ensuring long-term economic growth and sustainability.