Govt. rolls out $67M soil and pest control facilities

Oct 17, 2025 News

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— Mustapha vows to make Guyana regional agri. powerhouse

(Kaieteur News) – The agriculture sector in Guyana received a major boost on Tuesday following the commissioning of the country’s first Composting Unit and Acoushi Ant Bait Production Facility.

The two facilities, strategically located within the compound of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, represent a total investment of over $67.7 million, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.

While offering remarks at the event, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the government remains committed to transforming Guyana into a dynamic agri-food powerhouse rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. He noted that several initiatives are being pursued to expand agricultural research and genetic innovation aimed at developing high-yielding and resilient crop varieties to increase production.

Minister Mustapha further stated that under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana has, within five years, regained global recognition for its progress in agriculture and food security. “We are working to make NAREI a world-class institution. Guyana, in just five years, was able to get back on the map as it relates to agricultural production and food security. That tells us a story about the leadership we have. We haven’t only been recognized, we were recognised globally as the only country with the ability to feed its population. So, the budgetary allocations being made available to institutions like NAREI are to help us discover new areas in farming and enable us to develop new high-yielding crops,” he noted.

Minister Mustapha also said the venture aligns with the efforts of the global Save Soil Movement. “This would ultimately endorse Guyana’s forward path in moving agriculture from its traditional form to a greener, more environmentally sustainable production path. This venture is in keeping with the efforts of the global Save Soil Movement, which His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali endorsed by signing an MoU in 2022,” Minister Mustapha stated.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, said that the commissioning of the two facilities highlights the strides being made in agricultural research, reflecting innovation, sustainability, and practicality in initiatives that can transform farmers’ livelihoods. The vermicomposting process utilizes Eisenia fetida (commonly known as red wigglers) to biologically convert organic waste, including crop residues and livestock manure, into a nutrient-rich, microbially active soil amendment. The final product enhances soil nutrient absorption, structure, nutrient cycling, and water retention, while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

In addition to vermicomposting, the facility also incorporates thermophilic composting, where heat-loving bacteria decompose organic materials such as crop residues and livestock manure (excluding fats and carcasses) under elevated temperatures. Since the introduction of this initiative, production has grown significantly—from 2,000 kilograms per year to 10,000 kilograms per year for vermicompost, and from 5,000 kilograms per year to 15,000 kilograms per year for thermophilic compost.

As it relates to the Acoushi Ant Bait Production Facility, it was developed to assist farmers who, for years, have been affected by Acoushi ants. The facility provides a homegrown, science-based solution, producing affordable and effective bait using locally available materials. It operates on a semi-automated system that mixes pellets and dries the bait in one continuous process, allowing production to continue even during the rainy season.

The facility has the capacity to produce an average of 30,000 packets of bait annually, compared to previous efforts that yielded approximately 10,000 to 15,000 packets per year. The bait is made from locally sourced ingredients and formulated with the correct balance of chemical inputs to effectively target Acoushi colonies. The Leafcutter ants, commonly referred to as Acoushi ants, have caused severe losses for farmers across Guyana, particularly in the hinterland communities. This commissioning marks a significant advancement in the ministry’s capacity to meet national demand, particularly in cassava and citrus production areas, which are the two crops most affected by Acoushi ants.

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• Ant Bait, Lauren Paddy, soil and pest control facilities, vermicomposting facility

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