AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, on Monday, engaged cane farmers from the Corentyne Coast to advance government’s plan to fully utilise 35,000 acres of farmland for increased agricultural production.

The initiative follows directives by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who last week met with farmers from the Upper Corentyne at the Skeldon Estate. During that meeting, the President underscored the need for government investments in infrastructure to be matched by tangible increases in productivity.
Minister Mustapha told farmers that the government is supporting a return to cane cultivation, while also encouraging diversification into citrus and coconut production.
“We have a number of farmers who have indicated interest in returning to cane cultivation, while others expressed interest in cultivating citrus and coconuts. We’ve already begun mapping out the area for soil testing and have engaged the Private Sector to construct a juice plant so that the citrus being planted there can be processed into juices,” the Minister explained.
The effort aims to breathe new life into Guyana’s sugar industry while simultaneously diversifying the agricultural base on the Corentyne Coast. Government officials noted that citrus and coconut cultivation will not only strengthen food security but also open new avenues for agro-processing and exports.
The engagement with farmers is part of the administration’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture, maximise land use, and link production directly to value-added opportunities. By integrating private sector partnerships—such as the planned juice plant—the initiative is expected to generate jobs, strengthen rural economies, and deliver measurable returns on state investment.