Agri Ministry develops 300 acres to assist West Berbice small ruminant farmers

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with small ruminant farmers from West Berbice on Saturday, where he reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to advancing Guyana’s livestock industry and expanding economic opportunities for rural producers.
According to a news release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Mustapha highlighted the significant progress already underway in pasture development, explaining that 60 five-acre plots (300 acres) have been developed for small ruminant farmers across the region.
He reiterated that the Government remains committed to reducing Guyana’s dependence on imported mutton, particularly from countries like New Zealand, by building a strong, identifiable Guyanese brand that can compete at the regional level.

“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.
He further stated that the Government had collaborated with Barbados to import 1000 Blackbelly sheep to boost the country’s genetics and breeding stock, and it forms part of a variety of initiatives being spearheaded by the Administration to bolster production and diversify the economy.
The Minister reminded farmers that many of them have already benefited from improved genetics and increased breeding stock through this initiative. He confirmed that the distribution of Blackbelly 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 President 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,” he noted.
Minister Mustapha encouraged farmers to continue working closely with technical teams, embrace improved management practices, and take advantage of the major investments being rolled out to elevate the sector and expand income opportunities for rural communities.