–President Ali says, points to $113.2B 2026 allocation compared to $18.4B in 2020
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said Guyana’s agriculture sector is undergoing a major transformation aimed at building a modern, productive and competitive industry capable of meeting future demands and strengthening food security.
In his message marking Agriculture Month 2026, President Ali said the transformation of the sector is being driven by investments in technology, infrastructure, production, processing, logistics and market access.
“Food is more than what we put on our tables. It is security. It is opportunity. It is economic strength. And in an uncertain world, the ability to feed ourselves and to help feed our neighbours is an expression of national resilience,” the President said.
He said Guyana’s vision extends beyond domestic food production, with the country seeking to position itself as a major food hub for the Caribbean and contribute to regional food and nutrition security.
According to the President, the national agricultural budget has increased by 515 per cent, from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026.
The investment is supporting initiatives including large-scale corn and soya bean production in the Intermediate Savannahs, drainage and irrigation works, farm-to-market roads, agro-processing, storage and logistics, livestock, aquaculture, research and extension services.
Further, he noted that the soon-to-be-launched Guyana Development Bank is also expected to expand access to financing for small-scale food producers and agro-processors.
President Ali said the investments are intended to strengthen the foundations of a modern food economy by increasing production, reducing losses, adding value and improving access to markets.
“As Guyana undergoes rapid economic transformation, agriculture remains a foundational pillar of our economy. It is a strategic sector with the immense potential to generate wealth, create jobs, improve livelihoods, earn foreign exchange, uplift communities and contribute to national prosperity,” he said adding:
“Our task is to transform the sector into an industry capable of meeting the demands and opportunities of the future. And that transformation is already underway.”
He also pointed to the growing use of precision farming, improved genetics, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agriculture and modern poultry systems as part of efforts to modernise Guyana’s agri-food systems.
Plans for agro-processing hubs and stronger links between production, logistics and markets are also expected to support greater efficiency and competitiveness across the sector.
The President said innovation must remain central to the transformation, with technology, science, data and enterprise expected to play an increasingly important role in determining the efficiency and profitability of food production.
He also highlighted the importance of encouraging partnerships and consortiums involving the private sector, young people and women to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture.
At the regional level, Guyana continues to support CARICOM’s efforts to improve food and nutrition security through the 25 by 2030 initiative, while seeking to increase production, reduce dependence on food imports and strengthen regional supply chains.
President Ali said Guyana’s land, water, natural resources and skills place the country in a position to contribute significantly to meeting the food needs of the Caribbean.
“Guyana’s agricultural transformation is not only a national undertaking. It is a regional responsibility and a regional opportunity. Guyana continues to play a leading role in advancing food and nutrition security within CARICOM as we work towards the 25 by 2030 initiative and beyond.”
He said achieving that goal will require continued investment, as well as greater participation from farmers, fishers, processors, agro-processors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders across the agri-food system.
Agriculture Month 2026 is being observed under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a strong sustainable Guyana.”
