—as gov’t moves to stabilise domestic poultry market, meet local demand

THE government is moving to stabilise the domestic poultry market by facilitating the temporary importation of approximately 330,000 pounds of chicken weekly, as local production continues to strengthen.
According to a press release, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed the measure on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).
The meeting focused on developments in the poultry industry and the availability of chicken on the local market.
The release noted that the imports are intended to address temporary supply gaps and ensure consumers continue to have access to chicken at stable and reasonable prices, while protecting local producers.
The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) is facilitating the imports, which will be distributed through local suppliers and distributors across the country.
The minister said the intervention will be closely monitored to ensure it supports market stability without undermining local poultry production.
The government is also looking to expand storage and cold-storage capacity in the poultry sector, as part of a longer-term strategy to improve the industry’s resilience.
The release further noted that greater storage capacity would allow producers to preserve excess chicken during periods of high production, and release it onto the market when demand rises.
The ministry said this would give producers greater flexibility while helping to make supplies more predictable for consumers.
The government will continue working with poultry producers, importers, distributors and other private-sector stakeholders to monitor production, supply and demand, and respond to market conditions where necessary.
The temporary importation, according to the ministry, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and safeguard food security while supporting the continued expansion of local poultry production.