Agro-processing plant, packaging facility for Berbice

Agriculture is the main economic activity for both Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and as such, the Agriculture Ministry is considering to construct an agro-processing plant and packaging facility.
This, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, will capture a large part of the US$5 billion in food being imported by Caricom countries annually.
The revelation was made on Saturday by both Mustapha and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during a visit to Black Bush Polder (BBP), Region Six.
Minister Singh noted that Government is committed to agriculture in the strongest possible way, adding that agriculture has always been the main sector in Guyana’s economy.

However, he said it is disgraceful that Guyana was removed as the leading spokes nation on Agriculture during the APNU/AFC’s term in Government.
Nevertheless, he noted that this has already been reversed and Guyana is once again setting the pace for food in the Caribbean.
On this note he said an agro-processing facility will be set up in the farming community of BBP.
“We are already working with the Private Sector to encourage agro-processing and very shortly we will be entering a partnership that will see an agro-processing plant set up right here in Mibicuri,” the Minister told farmers.
In addition, Mustapha told the farmers that an agreement has been met with a private investor and within a few days a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be inked.
Traditionally, many of the farmers in the Black Push Polder area sell their produce to retailers and do not have the benefit of an open market. The Finance Minister further explained that the project is likely to transform the lives of farmers and boost the agriculture sector overall.
He explained that one of the main reasons Guyana has not been able to tap into the agro-processing market and compete with other Caricom countries, is because of the high cost of production, specifically energy/electricity cost.
In this regard, Dr Singh underscored the importance of the gas-to-shore project that is being spearheaded by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. This project, he stated, will significantly reduce energy costs for residents and the cost of manufacturing.