Guyana launches ant bait facility to help farmers tackle Acoushi infestations

The government on Tuesday launched an Acoushi ant bait production facility and a vermicompost unit at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara as part of efforts to modernise the country’s agriculture sector and strengthen pest control.

The vermicompost unit will use worms to break down organic matter into natural fertiliser, while the Acoushi ant bait facility aims to produce more than 30,000 packages to help farmers curb infestations that destroy crops across coastal and hinterland regions.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative supports Guyana’s push to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved waste management and research-driven farming.

“The facility allows us to use waste to develop high-quality fertiliser while reducing what goes to landfill,” Mustapha said. “It promotes sustainable farming.”

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vickash Ramkissoon, said the project responds directly to long-standing concerns from farmers.

“This stands as a testament to the ministry’s commitment to ensure that there is sufficient ant bait available as we seek to reduce crop loss,” he said.

The government has said it will continue to expand investment in agricultural research and eco-friendly solutions as part of wider efforts to strengthen food security.