‘Science, technology underpin our strategy’ – Mustapha tells FAO forum

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday said Guyana is using innovation, technology and climate-resilient strategies to close persistent food production gaps.

He was addressing a roundtable during the 39th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brazil. Mustapha said a number of technology-driven interventions are transforming the sector.

“Science, technology and innovation underpin our strategy for closing the productivity gap,” the minister said.

Importantly, Mustapha said Guyana’s agricultural push is aligned with the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy to ensure growth remains climate-resilient and environmentally responsible.

Among the initiatives he outlined is the tissue culture laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which is expanding the production of disease-free planting materials from about 13,000 plants to as many as one million annually.

“Initiatives such as the rice integrated system combine rice production with fish and duck rearing, reduce costs, enhance income and promote sustainability,” he said.

Mustapha also pointed to the use of precision agriculture, nano-urea fertilisers, upgraded drainage and irrigation systems, and a pre-crop insurance scheme that already covers more than 4,200 rice farmers against flood and drought losses.

“All these systems we have put in place ensure that we close the gap in the agriculture system, particularly in the production and productivity areas,” the minister said.

He added that inclusion remains central to the strategy, with at least 35 per cent participation targeted for youth and women in government-supported agricultural programmes. More than 300 persons are currently involved in the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme.

“In Guyana, all agricultural programmes ensure that at least 35 percent participation is by youth and women,” Mustapha said.