Gov’t tackling beef shortage with expansion plans at Leguan

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced immediate and long-term measures to boost beef supply, starting with Leguan Island.

During a visit to Leguan on Thursday, the President acknowledged concerns raised by cattle farmers and assured residents that the government is taking swift action to address the shortage. He revealed that he has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to deploy a team to the island as early as next week to purchase all available cattle.

“There is a tremendous shortage of animals across the country for beef. Next week, a team from the Ministry of Agriculture will come here with their own transportation to buy all the available cattle you have on the island and take them to our facility,” the President stated.

The livestock purchased will be transported to the government’s abattoir at Onverwagt, Region Five. This will ensure a steady supply to the local market.

Looking ahead, President Ali outlined plans for sustained engagement with Leguan’s farmers, noting that arrangements will be made for the government to purchase cattle from the island on a monthly basis.

“I have also asked that going forward, once every month we come to the island to buy the cattle right here and take it to the abattoir,” he stated.

Beyond addressing the immediate beef shortage, the President emphasised the government’s broader vision to expand the livestock industry on the island. This includes increasing cattle rearing as well as boosting goat and sheep production.

“We want to expand the livestock industry here. We want to build your goat production, sheep production and cattle. The market is growing, and we want your island to play an important role in that market,” the Head of State said.

To support farmers and entrepreneurs, President Ali announced that citizens can access loans of up to $3 million through the Development Bank of Guyana. In addition, the government plans to co-invest with citizens starting next year to help grow and strengthen their livestock businesses.