Indian investor proposes small sugar factory at Skeldon

A proposal to establish a small sugar factory at Skeldon is among the key initiatives being considered as the government and private sector work together to boost Guyana’s agriculture sector.

In a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, subject Zulfikar Mustapha stated that the government has already received an offer from an investor in India to set up the factory, alongside a separate proposal from Trinidad to build a refinery for white sugar.

“We are looking to restart the production of sugar at Skeldon. We already started to plant cane there, about 5,000 hectares. By the end of this year, we’ll complete about 1,000 hectares. We’re working with the private cane farmers who have about 10,000 to 12,000 acres. We are looking at a proposal we received from an investor from India for a small sugar factory there. For refined sugar, we have a proposal from Trinidad to build a refinery in Guyana,” the Minister explained during a recent engagement with the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Agriculture Sub-Committee.

The meeting discussed strengthening public-private partnerships for agricultural development, according to the release from the ministry.

Over the next five years, the government will be investing heavily in critical infrastructure to support the expansion of the sector.

Dr. Komal Singh, a representative of the PSC, expressed appreciation for the government’s support to farmers and signaled the private sector’s interest in establishing its own sugar refinery in Guyana.

“You mentioned the white sugar refinery, and I want to bring it to your attention that the private sector is also looking at that. So, before a decision is made, we’re asking for our proposal to be considered. That should be ready in another week or two,” Singh stated.

Additionally, Minister Mustapha disclosed that the government is moving forward with the construction of storage facilities to support the local rice industry. The first such facility, designed to store about two million bags of paddy, will be built in Essequibo, with tenders already out for construction. Plans are also in place to develop additional facilities in other regions.