Mustapha boasts expansion, modernisation of Agri sector as month of activities kicks start

Oct 02, 2025 News

---

Kaieteur News – Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha has boasted of a number of milestones marked in the agriculture sector at the launch of the agriculture month.

The minister told those gathered a ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture’s head office on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, that the sector has seen substantial growth and impact particularly in the area of food security.

“In just five short years, Guyana has not only managed to modernise, to transform the sector, but to transform people’s lives to improve food production,” he said adding that Guyana has created an impact in the region that the entire CARICOM is looking to this country’s leadership in food security.

“Today, powerful countries in the region like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other eastern Caribbean countries whose economies were built on oil and gas, tourism look to Guyana for leadership. These countries now are embracing agriculture and looking forward for Guyana to build capacity in their country.”

He noted that the government has invested substantially in the agriculture sector.

“We have seen the sector grown from $13 billion in 2020 to $104 billion this year.  The agriculture sector in our country is expanding. International organisations and reputable universities have studied Guyana’s growth over the years and have ranked Guyana as the only country in the world with the ability to feed its population.”

According to the Minister, agriculture is now being embraced by people from all walks of life.

“Gone are the days,” he said “when people see agriculture as a job for old people or for those without education.”

“We have graduates from the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture embracing agriculture and making their livelihood out of agriculture.”

The minister said that in addition to the growth in many areas of the sector, there has been an increase in production in traditional areas. Last year, he noted, rice production exceeded its 700,000-tonne mark for the first time.

He posited “At the end of this year, I am very optimistic that we will pass the target of 804,000 tonnes. Only two days ago, I met the leadership of the GRDB and we are seeing high leadership in these areas. In the other crop section, we are seeing new crops. We have transformation in the drainage and irrigation. We are now building a mega structure replicating the hope canal in different areas of the country. As I am speaking now, works are ongoing in Regions Five and Six for construction of the replica hope canals.

The minister’s address mirrored the statement by President Irfaan Ali to mark the month of activities.

President Ali said that Guyana is modernising its agri-food systems to guarantee cheaper, reliable, stable, and nutritious food for every household.

“At the same time, we are building enough surpluses to secure Guyana’s role as a major contributor to Caribbean food security. That is why the government is driving bold action to transform and make our agri-food systems more competitive and sustainable, while improving livelihoods.”

“Today, however, we must strive to make it much more. Agriculture must evolve into a sector that bears the imprimatur of innovation, technology, and opportunity—driving down poverty, closing the gap of inequality, and building a more diversified and resilient economy.”

The head-of state noted that infrastructure is central to this transformation.

He explained “We are building farm-to-market roads, modern storage facilities, upgraded ports, and stronger transport linkages, ensuring every producer, whether in the hinterland or on the coast, can move goods quickly, safely, and competitively to regional and global markets.”

According the president, the government is also modernising agriculture with digital extension services, precision farming, and climate-smart practices.

“These tools will help producers increase yields, cut costs, reduce risks, and embed sustainability into every stage of production. In livestock, we are investing heavily in the future. Tunnel ventilation pens, hatcheries, genetic improvements, artificial insemination, abattoirs, and processing plants are being developed to boost production of poultry, beef, and dairy.”

He noted that affordable financing is being rolled out, while training programs equip farmers with the skills to improve animal health, prevent diseases, and increase clean milk production.

According to the President by 2030, these initiatives will position livestock as a major driver of growth, innovation, and food security.

---

• agriculture, expansion, food security, Modernisation, Mustapha, President Ali

---