Israelis to push hydroponics in Guyana, help slash food bill

Hydroponics, a non-traditional way of growing crops, is becoming more prominent in Guyana and now, investors from Israel are hoping to start a new project in Guyana.

“We have an investor from Israel who will do some hydroponics on the East Coast (of Demerara),” Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said at the sidelines of an event on Monday.

Mustapha, while engaging reporters, said that the investor is among several others interested in establishing hydroponics farms in Guyana.

The Israelis, in particular, will be increasing the number of shade houses used in the production of high-value crops (broccoli, carrots and cauliflower) at Mon Repos, ECD.

In so doing, Mustapha said that they will also integrate hydroponics in production.

Importantly, he said this forthcoming investment will focus on the high-value crops prioritised by Guyana because of the hefty costs associated with importing those products each year.

In fact, he reminded reporters that a $2.6 billion sum was spent on importing those three vegetables last year alone. This investment should help to reduce the amount spent on these vegetables annually.

Meanwhile, Mustapha highlighted that the establishment of another hydroponics farm near the Linden/ Soesdyke highway is moving apace.

He previously stated that this farm could be the largest hydroponics project in Latin America and the Caribbean. Blueberries, strawberries and other exotic crops could be grown there.

He said the Tobagonian investor pursuing this project is still transporting much-needed equipment and materials to Guyana. Mustapha, however, assured the public that this project will soon come to fruition.

“That is on the card, and shortly that will be in effect,” he said.

These crops are also among those that Guyana spend large sums of money importing.