Accelerating rural transformation

The Government’s decision for accelerated development between 2025 and 2030, as outlined by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during his visit to Banakari and Tiger Bone along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway, reflects a strategic continuation of Guyana’s broader national growth agenda.
The emphasis on expanding agriculture, modernising infrastructure, and empowering small-scale farmers demonstrates a deep understanding of where the nation’s potential lies: within its people, its land, and its ability to adapt to global shifts in food production and sustainability.
Over the past five years, Guyana has experienced unprecedented growth, with major investments reshaping the economic landscape. Yet, while much of the national spotlight has focused on the oil and gas sector, the renewed focus on agriculture signals a deliberate and necessary balance in development planning.
Agriculture remains the backbone of many rural communities and a cornerstone of national resilience. The Government’s recognition of this fact and its effort to modernise and expand the sector are both timely and essential. The plan to bring an additional 100,000 acres under cultivation is an impressive target – one that can significantly strengthen food security, reduce imports, and create jobs in rural areas.
However, the value of such an initiative lies not only in the expansion of acreage but also in the approach being taken. The shift from primary production to value-added and smart agriculture represents a forward-thinking response to the realities of climate change, global competition, and evolving consumer demand.
Introducing hydroponics and modern farming techniques positions Guyana to become a regional leader in sustainable and technologically driven agriculture. Equally important is the Government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that growth benefits are not limited to large-scale enterprises but reach small and medium farmers who form the foundation of the rural economy.
The proposed establishment of an interest-free development bank could be transformative in this regard. For too long, small farmers have faced barriers in accessing capital due to stringent banking requirements and high-interest rates. Providing access to interest-free financing could unlock dormant potential in farming communities, encouraging expansion, innovation, and improved livelihoods.
However, as with any policy initiative, execution will determine success. The establishment and management of an interest-free development bank must be guided by transparency, sound governance, and efficient service delivery. Safeguards will be essential to ensure that funds are equitably distributed, that borrowers receive technical support, and that repayment systems are sustainable. This is a structural reform that can redefine how agriculture is financed and practised in Guyana.
Infrastructure development will also play a critical role in this transformation. Expanding cultivation and modernising farming practices require reliable roads, drainage systems, and access to markets.
The Linden–Soesdyke Highway corridor, for example, has immense agricultural potential but continues to face infrastructural constraints that hinder economic activity. Investments in farm-to-market roads, storage facilities, and agro-processing centres will be crucial in converting the Government’s vision into measurable outcomes.
Beyond infrastructure and financing, there is a pressing need for capacity building. Transitioning to smart agriculture requires not only technology but also training. Farmers must be equipped with the skills to adopt new methods such as hydroponics, precision agriculture, and climate-smart cultivation.
Partnerships with educational institutions, research agencies, and private investors will be critical in building a sustainable ecosystem of innovation and knowledge transfer. The minister’s assurance that the Government will continue to work closely with communities underscores a participatory approach to development – one that recognises local expertise and encourages shared ownership of national progress.
Rural transformation cannot be achieved through top-down policies alone; it must be community-driven, grounded in consultation, and responsive to the realities on the ground. As Guyana continues its broader economic expansion, agriculture must remain a central pillar of the country’s diversification strategy.
The global food system is under immense strain from environmental degradation, geopolitical instability, and shifting trade patterns. Guyana, blessed with vast arable land and water resources, has a rare opportunity to not only feed itself but to become a key supplier within the Caribbean and beyond. The vision outlined by Minister Mustapha is therefore not merely a sectoral plan; it is a blueprint for inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.
The next five years present an opportunity to continue redefining the role of agriculture in Guyana’s development narrative, integrating modernity with tradition and ambition with practicality.
If implemented with consistency, this strategy can reshape the country’s rural landscape, empower thousands of farmers, and establish Guyana as a model for agricultural transformation in the region. The seeds of progress have been planted; what remains is to nurture them with commitment, innovation, and accountability.