Guyana wants to grow strawberries, other crops when mega hydroponics farm is set up

The largest hydroponics farm in the Latin America and Caribbean region could soon be established in Guyana and the country is hoping to grow blueberries and other exotic crops there, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mutapha.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that the “largest ever hydroponics park” in the region would be established in Guyana as the country seeks to infuse technology in the ambitious agri-food plan.

Later, on Monday, Minister Mustapha elaborated on this new venture stating that Guyanese authorities are now in talks with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on establishing the park.

“We are looking at a number of crops but exotic crops – things like grapes, blueberries, strawberries.

“… these are high value crops; Guyana never planted these before but through hydroponics (we can),” the Agriculture Minister told the News Room.

Several possible locations have already been identified for the establishment of the park but Mustapha explained that his ministry is hoping to secure the best possible spot that has adequate space for the technology.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants but instead of using soil, water-based solutions are used to supply the much-needed nutrients to the plants.

“Guyana has taken centre stage in agricultural development and we don’t only want to be involved in crops like corn and soya, but we want to do hydroponics which is very important for us,” Mustapha said.

He also noted that other private investors are pursuing similar ventures in Guyana. Along the Linden/ Soesdyke highway, he said that a Tobagonian investor is hoping to set up large greenhouses and grow berries too.