Latest update June 16th, 2026 12:40 AM
Chicken imports opened for oil, hospitality sectors despite Guyana’s poultry self-sufficiency – Mustapha
(Kaieteur News) – Guyana remains self-sufficient in poultry production, but limited imports of chicken parts are being allowed to meet growing demand from the expanding hospitality and extractive industries, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has disclosed.
At the recent sitting of the 13th Parliament, Mustapha was asked by Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Terrence Campbell to tell the House, “whether the Ministry has a target date by which Guyana expects to achieve a return to poultry meat self-sufficiency (meeting domestic demand and local production rather than imports) If yes, what is the date and range?”
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha
His second question was to have the Minister state what budgetary allocations such as subsidies it has made and the support programmes like expansion services, infrastructure, biosecurity training the Ministry has made available or plans to make available to accelerate the self-sufficiency target?
Answering the first question Mustapha said that currently Guyana is self-sufficient and able to meet demands locally. “However, the expanded extractive and hospitality, sectors have increased demand for additional chicken parts, for which, limited imports are allowed.”
Addressing the second question he explained that his ministry is implementing several budget allocation, as well as support programmes to accelerate the target for poultry meat self-sufficiency. This includes a zero rate on all poultry inputs that are imported into the country in order to reduce costs for farmers.
There is also the Parliamentary appropriation of $60M, which is to be used to procure vaccines to ensure flock health. There are also ongoing refresher courses in biosecurity with training provided, alongside recommendations for improved measures. These include spray races, drive-through dips, and crate washers
“Our extension service continues to evolve, utilizing various methods to equip farmers effectively, including a new digital system for real-time tracking to enhance support. Climate resilience initiatives include establishing temperature-controlled broiler pens in coastal regions and expanding our broiler breeder program this year,” he added.
It was previously reported by this publication that no exemptions or import licences have been granted for poultry products, since the temporary ban that was instituted in 2023 following a bird flu outbreak.
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