The Journey of GLDA’s Senior Livestock Extension Officer

AT just 30 years old, Sunil Balkaran of Wash Clothes, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, has emerged as one of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA) most dynamic and forward-thinking professionals. As a Senior Livestock Extension Officer, he plays a pivotal role in the management of large ruminants—both dairy and beef—and continues to inspire a new generation of farmers through his leadership, innovation, and passion for agricultural development.

Early Roots and Academic Excellence

Balkaran’s story is rooted in the rich agricultural traditions of Mahaicony “Branch Road”, where his family’s farm shaped both his character and career path. Growing up under his father’s guidance—a farmer with over 30 years of experience—he learned the fundamentals of animal husbandry at an early age.

“We always had goats and cows,” he recalled. “My father taught me everything, from deworming and branding to administering medication when the animals were sick. Only in serious cases would a vet be called.”

A disciplined and determined student, Balkaran graduated as the Valedictorian of Mahaicony Secondary School, earning strong grades in ten CSEC subjects. Although he initially dreamed of becoming a cardiologist, fate had other plans.

During a casual visit to his sister-in-law’s home, he came across a newspaper advertisement announcing a call for applications for government scholarships to study abroad. “It was the last day for submissions,” he recalled. “I sent in my grades immediately without even attaching the certificates.”

A few days later, he received a call requesting proof of his results, and a month later, his application was approved. Balkaran was headed to Kuban State Agrarian University in Krasnodar, Russia, to pursue a five-year degree in Zoo Technology, Management, and Veterinary Science—a life-changing opportunity that solidified his future in animal science and agriculture.

The Road Back Home and Professional Growth

Upon completing his studies, Balkaran returned to Guyana in 2019 with renewed purpose. He joined GLDA on October 1, 2019, and was assigned to the large ruminant division. “When I joined, I was told the livestock sector was facing challenges,” he said. “But I’ve always been someone who embraces challenges.”

One of his early and most successful initiatives involved working with Mohan Singh, a dairy farmer in Mahaicony who owned 20 cows producing about 10 gallons of milk daily. Recognising the potential for increased productivity, Balkaran introduced Singh to GLDA’s Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, which led to a genetic upgrade of the herd. Within months, milk production doubled.

This presented a new opportunity: value addition. Drawing inspiration from his visit to the St Stanislaus College Farm, Balkaran suggested producing paneer (a soft cheese) from the surplus milk. Singh adopted the idea, using biogas to process the product sustainably and economically. “The project was a major success,” Balkaran shared proudly. “Today, paneer from Singh’s farm is available in local shops and supermarkets. It’s a true model of innovation at the community level.”

Leadership, Trust and Youth Empowerment

For Balkaran, leadership in the agricultural sector is not only about science and productivity—it’s about trust, collaboration, and empowerment. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead and support the livestock sector in Guyana,” he said. “I am grateful for the confidence my boss, Dr Walrond, GLDA’s Chief Executive Officer, has placed in my ability—but most importantly, I’m thankful to the farmers and other stakeholders. For me, trust is very important.”

Among his proudest professional experiences was serving as Coordinator of the GLDA’s Ruminant Expo 2025, which he described as “one of the most inspirational and educational opportunities” of his career. “The Expo showcased the immense potential of our livestock sector and brought together farmers, scientists, and young professionals in a way that truly reflected the future of agriculture in Guyana,” he said.

As a young livestock visionary, Balkaran is especially passionate about encouraging youth and women to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career. “Traditionally, livestock was seen as a male-dominated field and a source of supplemental income for rural families,” he explained. “But today, more females should embrace this industry—there are numerous opportunities. Young people, too, should use the available support to transform their traditional farms into successful business enterprises. The time is now, especially with the lucrative national policies supporting agricultural development, including access to financing and technological advancement.”

Recognising Dedication and Modernising Agriculture

Balkaran also took time to acknowledge the dedication of his colleagues, Ebony McKenzie and Latoya Harte, whom he described as “loyal and committed team members” of the livestock division. “I’ve seen them lift calves, work through the night, and go above and beyond to ensure animals’ survival. Their dedication and nurturing spirit are truly commendable.”

He also praised the GLDA and the Ministry of Agriculture for implementing programmes that have significantly advanced livestock production nationwide, including the Bull Rotation Programme, Artificial Insemination Services, and the Embryo Transfer Programme. “GLDA is transforming the industry,” he said. “We’re helping farmers modernise, improve yields, and adopt sustainable practices. It’s fulfilling to see how far we’ve come, but there’s still much more to achieve.”

From a young boy tending goats and cows on his family’s farm to a national leader shaping Guyana’s livestock future, Sunil Balkaran’s journey embodies passion, perseverance, and purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that agriculture—when infused with innovation, trust, and vision—can drive not only food security but also social and economic transformation for generations to come.