Agri. Month launched with focus on sectoral advancement

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha placed massive emphasis on Guyana’s rapidly developing agriculture sector at the launch of Agriculture Month 2025.

The month being observed under the theme: “Transforming livelihoods through Agri-food systems.” The ministry has a schedule packed with activities to highlight these advancements and the stakeholders.

Minister Mustapha said the government’s $104 billion budgetary allocation is driving growth across multiple subsectors, allowing the country to meet domestic demand while positioning itself to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

“For the first time in our country’s history, we are producing corn and soya, and I’m hoping by next year, we can be self-sufficient in producing all our needs to reduce the import bill of corn by US$40 million,” Minister Mustapha said.

He added that the country is now involved in hydroponics. He also said that with new interests, the sector is creating new opportunities for young people.

“As we grow this sector, we are creating meaningful employment, which helps to reduce poverty, and promote equity in every single region,” he said.

Guyana continues to see strong production figures. According to Mustapha, the investments go beyond production as infrastructure remains a major concern for stakeholders and the government is working to improve it.

He said significant works—including the construction of new pump stations, canals, and drainage and irrigation systems in Regions Five and Six—are also bringing relief to farmers.

Turning to the diversification of the sector, he said Guyana has started producing Vietnamese prawns and expanded black shrimp output from 10,000 kilogrammes monthly to approximately 120,000 kilogrammes. Mustapha also noted a sharp reduction in piracy, crediting the Ministry’s interventions over the last five years.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, reminded those gathered at the launch that agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Guyana’s development. He said traditional crops – rice and sugar – have historically been driving forces for the economy.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative Gillian Smith commended the focus on building resilience.

“Agriculture is not just about the crops and the livestock. It is the backbone of rural livelihoods. It’s a driver of innovation worldwide,” Smith said.

She also said with record outputs, modernised infrastructure, and expanding diversification, Guyana’s agriculture sector is advancing at a rapid pace and strengthening its role as a key driver of growth, employment, and food security.