5 Years of Growth: Mustapha’s Leadership Transforms Agriculture

Dear Editor,
Over the past five years, Guyana’s agriculture sector has been revitalised under the dynamic leadership of the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture. His reappointment by President Irfaan Ali is both a recognition of his stellar performance and a strong statement of continuity for a sector that is central to our nation’s growth.
Minister Mustapha has delivered on the commitments of the PPP/C manifesto with measurable results. In rice, production reached record levels in 2024 and was supported by expanded seed processing facilities, modernised storage hubs, and strategic international market development.
Farmers can now expect to benefit from the rollout of Guyana’s first-ever crop insurance programme aimed at providing resilience in the face of climate challenges. Over 6000 farmers are set to benefit from this ground-breaking initiative.
Livestock farmers have enjoyed new opportunities through genetic improvements, artificial insemination, and the distribution of thousands of breeding animals and supplies. This is expected to be expanded under the leadership of the PPP/C Government. The construction of modular abattoirs and expansion of pasture lands is also a top priority; this will boost meat and dairy output while poultry production is being enhanced through affordable financing and better disease prevention.
The fisheries sector too will see further expansion, as major investments have already been made during the last five years. New cage culture projects in the Hinterland will be completed along with aquaculture expansion and the launch of a Fisheries Monitoring Centre with GPS tracking. With tilapia, shrimp, and prawn farming on the rise, aquaculture is poised to surpass marine production by 2030, making Guyana a leader in regional food security.
The Ministry has also championed agricultural diversification, advancing corn, soya and coconut production while promoting high-value crops like fruits, spices and even cocoa and coffee resuscitation. Investments in shade house farming, agro-processing hubs and climate-smart technology will empower farmers to reduce costs, increase efficiency and access lucrative export markets.
Beyond production, Minister Mustapha has strengthened the backbone of agriculture through drainage and irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, veterinary services, and laboratory standards, all of which ensure resilience, safety, and competitiveness. His leadership has also prioritised youth and women’s empowerment, ensuring the next generation is equipped with modern tools, training and access to financing.
President Ali’s decision to reappoint Minister Mustapha is therefore not just about rewarding past success; it is about securing the future. With Guyana on its way to becoming the food-producing capital of the Caribbean, his steady, innovative and people-centred approach will continue to empower farmers, expand exports and enhance food security for all citizens.
The last five years have proven that when vision meets execution, transformation follows. Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s reappointment signals that Guyana’s agriculture sector is not only in capable hands but also on a clear path to global competitiveness.

Yours sincerely,
Ramdhani Thakur