– Says strategic agri-investments, flood recovery efforts boost production and strengthen food security

TO strengthen Guyana’s agricultural backbone, the Government has injected over $9.7 billion into Region Two’s agriculture sector in just four years, with rice production, infrastructure, and resilience efforts reaching new heights.

This substantial investment, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, was unveiled by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, during the launch of a national crop insurance initiative at the Anna Regina Secondary School.

The programme forms part of a larger strategy to shield farmers from climate shocks, boost production, and ensure food security.
According to Minister, 81 percent of the total investment—equivalent to $7.9 billion—was directed toward drainage and irrigation and key infrastructural works. These developments are crucial to improving crop yields, mitigating the impacts of extreme weather, and increasing overall agricultural productivity.

“We have acknowledged that to boost agricultural growth, it is essential to direct our public expenditure toward investments in public goods like drainage, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads,” Minister Mustapha said.

The remaining $1.8 billion was used to support the advancement of fisheries, other crops and livestock, ensuring that the region’s farming communities are diversified and equipped to withstand market and climate challenges.

Thanks to these continued interventions, Guyana’s rice industry has recorded notable growth. Yields have improved significantly rising from 5.4 tonnes per hectare to 6.6 tonnes per hectare, while national production increased from 559,789 tonnes in 2021 to over 725,282 tonnes by 2024.

Minister Mustapha credited this progress to increased farmer engagement, enhanced infrastructure, and unwavering government support.
“The agriculture sector has made remarkable strides due to timely interventions, consistent investment, and the unwavering commitment of our farmers,” he noted.
Beyond infrastructure, the Government has also delivered material and financial support to farmers affected by natural disasters.

Following the devastating floods of 2021, which impacted over 27,000 acres of rice and inflicted more than $50 billion in damages, the Government disbursed over $2 billion in direct relief to farmers. In addition, 205,153 bags of fertiliser (valued at GYD $1.5 billion) and 18,613 bags of seed paddy (valued at GYD $93 million) were distributed.

Minister Mustapha said these measures enabled the sector to rebound swiftly and demonstrated the Government’s long-term commitment to agricultural resilience.
He underscored that these developments are part of a broader, national strategy to modernise the agriculture sector, strengthen rural economies, and secure Guyana’s food systems amid global disruptions and the ongoing threat of climate change.

“Agriculture remains a pillar of Guyana’s economy. These investments are not just about numbers, they’re about strengthening the foundation of rural communities and ensuring prosperity for generations of farmers to come,” the Minister stated.

Looking ahead, the Minister gave the assurance that rice farmers will remain at the centre of the Government’s agenda.
“Let us continue planting the seeds of progress together. The strength of this sector lies in the resilience of the people who power it,” Minister Mustapha affirmed.