Gov’t pushes to make Region Five livestock hub

Nov 17, 2025 News

…as Black Belly sheep programme expands

Kaieteur News – Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s livestock sector during a meeting with small ruminant farmers in West Berbice.

Some of the small ruminant farmers who attended the meeting

The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for rural producers and building a competitive, commercially viable Guyanese brand. Minister Mustapha noted that 60 five-acre pasture plots—totaling 300 acres—have already been developed to support small ruminant farmers in Region Five. He emphasised that these efforts are part of a broader plan to reduce Guyana’s dependence on imported mutton, particularly from New Zealand, while positioning the country as a regional supplier.

“We are making major investments to modernise the livestock sector, and pasture development is one of the most important foundations. We have already developed 60 five-acre plots for pastures for small ruminant farmers from region five. We are building an industry, a brand for Guyana and the Caribbean. Our goal is to develop a modern, commercially viable small ruminant industry that supplies Guyana and becomes a major exporter within CARICOM,” he explained according to a press release form his office.

He further stated that the government had collaborated with Barbados to import 1,000 Black Belly Sheep to boost the country’s genetics and breeding stock, and forms part of a variety of initiatives being spearheaded by the administration to bolster production and diversify the economy.

Minister Mustapha reminded farmers that many of them have already benefited from improved genetics and increased breeding stock through this initiative. He further confirmed that the distribution of Black Belly rams has begun, emphasising the importance of farmers upholding the guidelines of the programme to ensure its success.

“We have started the distribution of breeding rams, but this support will only achieve its full potential if farmers follow the programme’s management practices. We have to make a concerted effort to develop this industry, and we need your partnership to make sure the benefits reach everyone,” he stressed.

Emphasising the vision of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Minister Mustapha said the administration remains focused on transforming Region Five into the livestock capital of the Caribbean. “This region has the land, the farmers, and the commitment to lead the Caribbean in livestock production. We are building the infrastructure, providing the breeding animals, and delivering the technical support so that Region Five becomes the heart of livestock development in CARICOM,” he noted.

Following the meeting, the Minister also inspected the ruminant abattoir at Onverwagt, which is scheduled to be commissioned in the coming weeks. He noted that the modern facility will provide farmers with a certified, high-standard processing space that meets both local and regional market requirements.

“This abattoir is another major investment that will help you get your products into premium markets. Once commissioned, it will significantly elevate the value chain for ruminant farmers all across the country,” Minister Mustapha noted.

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breeding animals, CARICOM, economy, Minister Mustapha, New Zealand, Region Five

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