“Agriculture must evolve” – President Ali

Recognising the role of agriculture as an engine of a resilient future for Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali says that the sector must evolve beyond production and be a catalyst to not just diversify the country’s economy but also reduce poverty and inequality.
The Head of State made these remarks in his message to commemorate Agriculture Month 2025, which is observed in October and is dedicated towards celebrating the farmers, fishers, processors, and entrepreneurs who feed the nation and propel its economy.
According to President Ali, this annual celebration is not only a tribute to their hard work but also a reminder of agriculture’s enduring place in Guyana’s national story.
He said, “Agriculture has always been the backbone of Guyana’s economy. It is our oldest industry, a provider of livelihoods for thousands of families, and the foundation of food and nutrition security. Today, however, we must strive to make it much more. Agriculture must evolve into a sector that bears the imprimatur of innovation, technology, and opportunity – driving down poverty, closing the gap of inequality, and building a more diversified and resilient economy.”
To achieve this objective, Guyana has already embarked on modernising its agri-food systems to guarantee cheaper, reliable, stable, and nutritious food for every household.
At the same time, the country is building enough surplus to secure Guyana’s role as a major contributor to food security in the Caribbean. That, according to the Guyanese leader, is why the Government is driving bold action to transform and make the agri-food systems more competitive and sustainable, while improving livelihoods.

Agricultural transformation
“This vision is being translated into concrete actions on the ground. We are expanding the production of priority commodities, supporting diversification into new crops, livestock, and aquaculture, and ensuring that every farmer has the tools and resources needed to produce food. From rice to corn, soya to livestock, aquaculture to agro-processing, we are scaling up production and opening new markets at home, in the Caribbean, and beyond,” he stated.
Infrastructure is also central to this transformation, the president noted. In fact, the Ali Administration is building farm-to-market roads, modern storage facilities, upgraded ports, and stronger transport linkages, ensuring every producer, whether in the hinterland or on the coast, can move goods quickly, safely, and competitively to regional and global markets.
The Government is also modernising agriculture with digital extension services, precision farming, and climate-smart practices. These tools, the Head of State explained, will help producers increase yields, cut costs, reduce risks, and embed sustainability into every stage of production.
Moreover, the Guyana Government is further investing heavily in the future of the local livestock industry. Tunnel ventilation pens, hatcheries, genetic improvements, artificial insemination, abattoirs, and processing plants are being developed to boost production of poultry, beef, and dairy.
Additionally, affordable financing is being rolled out, while training programmes equip farmers with the skills to improve animal health, prevent diseases, and increase clean milk production.
“By 2030, these initiatives will position livestock as a major driver of growth, innovation, and food security,” President Ali stated.
Similarly, he noted that aquaculture and cage farming are also expanding across the country, with new vessel monitoring systems and sustainable fishing practices diversifying income streams, particularly for coastal and hinterland communities, while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
At the heart of these efforts is value addition with the Regional Food Hub to be completed soon, strengthening trade logistics and agro-processing. According to the Head of State, this means more jobs, more exports, and more value retained in the local economy. From fresh produce to processed goods, he added Guyana will not only feed itself but also supply the region with high-quality, affordable, and competitive food products.
President Ali went on to note that equally important is Guyana’s commitment to inclusion, with women and young people being central to agricultural transformation. To this end, he said his Government is expanding financing, training, and innovation programmes for women-led and youth-led agribusinesses.
“By unlocking their potential, we are investing in their entrepreneurship and long-term prosperity,” he noted.

Agriculture Month
The President went on to note that this spirit of inclusion lies at the heart of Agriculture Month 2025, which is being held under the theme “Transforming Livelihoods Through Agri-Food Systems.”
According to President Ali, progress is meaningful only when it uplifts everyone.
“Let this month, October 2025, therefore be not just about achievements in production, but about reaffirming our collective commitment to build a sector where every stakeholder has a place and a partner in Government. Let it be a reaffirmation of our pledge and promise that every farmer, fisher, processor, and entrepreneur has a partner in our Government. Together, we will build a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector that meets the demand for affordable food, nourishes our people, uplifts our communities, and secures Guyana’s place as a regional leader in food production.”