– says infrastructural projects will unlock thousands of acres for cultivation

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
MINISTER of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha continues to champion the extensive development agenda earmarked for Region Six, highlighting the significant investments being made to transform the region’s agricultural landscape.
According to the minister, major projects are advancing across the region, including substantial investments in infrastructure, land development, drainage and irrigation systems, all aimed at boosting economic growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers and residents.
He noted that these developments form part of the PPP/C government’s vision to unlock the region’s full potential, create new opportunities for agriculture and business, and enhance the overall quality of life across Region Six.
Mustapha, who accompanied Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during a public outreach in Region Six on Friday, said several concerns raised by residents fell under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture, including issues pertaining to land, livestock and crops.
According to the minister, these matters were addressed directly during the engagement, with immediate solutions being implemented where possible.
He stressed the importance of such community outreaches, noting that they allow the government to respond quickly to the needs of residents and farmers.
“These are things our government is implementing so that people can have fast results, fast action,” Mustapha said.
The minister said Region Six is poised for significant growth in agricultural production, pointing to major infrastructural projects currently underway, including the construction of two Hope-like canals.
He also revealed that several internal canals are being rehabilitated and improved, while additional sluices and pumps will be installed to strengthen drainage and irrigation systems.
According to Mustapha, the completion of the Hope-like canals will open up approximately 35,000 acres of new land for cultivation.
“What we are doing here is expanding land cultivation. We are having more people coming on board, we are having more land and more production. Production will increase tremendously,” he said.
The minister noted that Region Six currently has approximately 75,000 acres under rice cultivation, but projected that this figure could increase to 100,000 acres within the next year.
He further highlighted efforts to expand mechanised agriculture through GuySuCo.
“We have more lands now under mechanisation in GuySuCo. For example, we have started 5,000 hectares of land that is mechanised, with GuySuCo now replanting cane again. We also have the juice plant that DDL is setting up in the Eldorado area. Farmers will now diversify into crops like [sic] passion fruit and cherry, and we are also encouraging rice farmers to set aside an acre or two so that we can do this integrated farming,” Mustapha explained.
INTEGRATED FARMING
With agriculture continuing to be modernised, Mustapha underscored the importance of integrated farming and model farms that produce high-value crops.
He said the approach will allow farmers to diversify their income streams rather than relying on a single crop.
“Farmers will not only depend on one area for income, but we are now diversifying and having more different options available,” he said.
The minister emphasised that with the scale of development planned for Region Six, residents and farmers have much to look forward to in the years ahead.
“Region Six is set for great development, and there are many opportunities that residents and farmers can benefit from as these projects continue to unfold,” he said.