Agriculture very much on PPP/C’s agenda

Apr 01, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

It is quite pleasant to learn that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be investing in some 62,000 acres of land that they want to be transformed into an agro-industrial hub. This is quite refreshing, as most of us are caught up with ‘Trumpism’ and the Oil and Gas Sector in Guyana, and we miss important developmental ongoings.

The overall goal is that when all is done, this agricultural hub must be able to help feed both the nation and the Caribbean region, hence the PPP/C’s Ministry of Agriculture is assiduously working on developing these acres of land, situated from Moleson Creek to the Skeldon belt. In the words of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, “We spoke of expanding, not just converting GuySuCo, but right now we’re working and turning 62,000 acres of land into an agro-industrial complex in the Skeldon area.” The way agriculture is seen globally, this kind of investment must be creating positive vibes among many Guyanese.

I recall that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted at a time when food insecurity and hunger started to present enormous global challenges that still exist today. And the task to be prepared is quite pressing, as the world’s population is expected to grow to nine billion by 2050. This means that the demand on global food systems will confront all nations. The answer here is not easy, but the consensus is that if Guyana is to fare well, our leaders must be engaged in seeking to transform our local food and agriculture systems to make them sustainable, resilient and inclusive, to deliver access to healthy and nutritious foods. This kind of involvement ends with the advantage of helping to create livelihoods for small-scale producers and processors, and protecting ecosystems and combating climate change. The bottom line is that Guyana will gain long-term benefits, as the plans and execution thereof unfold for these 62,000 acres of land. Indeed, we can do with a modern agro-industrial hub, as we have much that normally goes to waste.

In terms of effecting all of this, the Guyana Government has already allocated money, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is set to be signed to commence actual cultivation on the lands. Very soon, this will translate to employment opportunities and increase value-added processing for local produce.

Editor, it is well-known that any country prioritizing agriculture will be able to foster food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. I think of places like India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Turkey, which have seen significant agricultural transformations and increased farm incomes due to increased input in the agricultural sector.

As Jagdeo pointed out, the farmers in the region collectively have about 40,000 acres of land, and GuySuCo, 26,000 acres. So, “If we can combine the two, that’s over 60,000 acres of land to put into cultivation. We can create a massive number of jobs, investment opportunities, and also an agro-processing zone right here.” The VP explained, “We are going to have discussions with Suriname, because we need the infrastructure to move the product. Even if they are processing there, using the Corentyne River, we have already engaged in those discussions.” The future beckons as Guyana has the space, personnel and an enabling government. I see no obstacle in the realization of this Agro Industrial Hub.

Yours truly,

Hargesh B. Singh.