Agri Minister highlights Guyana’s agricultural transformation

– expresses optimism for sector’s future, urges continued collaborations

Agricultural Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has highlighted significant strides in Guyana’s agricultural development, expressing his optimism for the sector and emphasising the need for continued collaboration to ensure food security and a sustainable future.

“Guyana’s food future is bright, but only if we work together across all sectors, across borders, and across generations,” he stated at the well-attended event.

The Minister was at the time delivering his address at the opening of a one-day World Food Day exhibition on Friday at the Albion Sports Complex, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The event was held under the World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
Mustapha noted Guyana’s rise as a regional leader in food security and agricultural transformation. He reflected on the country’s dramatic turnaround, from being near the bottom in regional food security rankings to becoming a beacon of hope for the Caribbean. “Not so long ago, Guyana was at the bottom of the ladder in food security and agricultural activities. But today, we are a leader in the region,” Mustapha said, emphasising the importance of agriculture in the nation’s future. While the oil and gas sector has driven Guyana’s economic growth, the Minister affirmed that agriculture remains the most vital sector, responsible for ensuring the country’s food security. “Without food, we can’t survive,” he remarked. The Minister also highlighted the Government’s increased budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector, which has seen a massive rise from $13 billion in 2020 to $104 billion in 2025. This investment, according to Mustapha, has been instrumental in the transformation of Guyana’s agri-food system.

Agricultural success stories
One of the major success stories shared by Mustapha was the remarkable growth of the brackish water shrimp industry in Region Six. He recalled how, in 2021, just 80 shrimp farmers were producing a combined total of 9,933 kilograms (kg) of shrimp monthly. Through Government support and capacity-building efforts, production has soared to 122,000 kg per month and by August 2023, farmers in the region had already earned $774.9 million. “We’ve transformed the shrimp farming sector,” Mustapha noted, emphasising that by the end of the year, the industry would have generated over $1.8 billion in revenue for that region’s farmers. This success, he added, is part of a broader effort to create more economic opportunities and improve livelihoods. The Minister also spoke about Guyana’s record-breaking achievements in the rice sector. In 2022, the country produced 725,000 tonnes of rice, a historic high, with expectations to surpass 804,000 tons in 2023. This surge in rice production, coupled with investments in infrastructure, has solidified Guyana’s status as a food-producing powerhouse.
“We are working to ensure self-sufficiency,” he said, pointing to growing production in high-value crops like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, which were previously imported but are now being produced locally.

Fostering Innovation and Youth Involvement
A significant part of the agricultural transformation, Mustapha explained, is the Government’s push to modernise farming practices and engage young people. He highlighted initiatives like the establishment of shade houses, the rise of hydroponic farming and the formation of new agricultural companies where young people are shareholders. “By allowing them to invest and receive dividends, we are changing the perception of agriculture,” he noted, adding that the Government is working to encourage more youth participation in the sector.

Regional and International partnerships
Mustapha zeroed in on Guyana’s role in advancing food security within the Caribbean. He pointed to the country’s leadership in the CARICOM effort to reduce the regional food import bill with the “25 by 2025” initiative. As the country chairs the Ministerial Task Force on Food Security, the Minister emphasised that Guyana is working closely with regional partners to increase food production capacity. Key to these efforts is the development of infrastructure such as cold storage and packaging facilities in Parika, Charity, and Port Kaituma, alongside the establishment of a regional food hub on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Additionally, a partnership with Bloomberg Grain aims to bolster cold storage and reduce food imports within the Caribbean.

Tackling climate change
Climate change remains a critical challenge for Guyana’s agricultural sector, and Mustapha addressed the threat posed by rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and saline intrusion. He outlined the Government’s proactive steps in implementing climate-smart farming solutions, including the restoration of mangroves, expansion of shade house farming and other sustainable practices. These efforts align with Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which places sustainability at the core of national development. “We must work together, hand in hand, to create resilient food systems,” Mustapha said, reiterating the need for collective action from all sectors and generations.
He acknowledged the indispensable role of farmers, agro-processors, researchers, and indigenous communities, urging everyone to recognise their hard work and resilience in ensuring food security.

Looking to the Future
In closing, Minister Mustapha expressed optimism about Guyana’s agricultural future, calling for continued collaboration to build a more resilient and sustainable food system. He also commended the work of international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for their ongoing support in advancing the country’s agricultural transformation. With the Government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, new technologies, and youth involvement, Guyana’s agricultural sector is poised for even greater success in the years ahead. As the country marks World Food Day, it reaffirms its commitment to achieving food security and sustainable development both at home and across the Caribbean. The World Food Day exhibition, which is part of global celebrations aimed at ending hunger and improving food systems, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of collaboration in ensuring that food systems are inclusive, resilient and sustainable. As Guyana continues to make significant strides in agriculture, the nation’s journey towards food security stands as an inspiring example for the Caribbean and the world.