Agro-processing survey to gauge demand, shape policies in industry

…as Agriculture Ministry urges processors to participate

The Agriculture Ministry is currently in the process of gathering information on the current status of the agro-processing industry, and has encouraged stakeholders to actively participate.
Until the ending of November, representatives from the Ministry will join the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to actively reach out to agro-processors throughout all administrative regions, except Regions Seven and Eight.
The aim of the survey is to gather information about the current status of the processing industry, inclusive of the production capacity of agro-processors in these regions, and their value chains, as well as create a comprehensive directory of agro-processors in Guyana. The survey is also intended to identify the demand for agro-processing inputs, the Ministry contended.
“We strongly encourage all agro-processors to actively participate in this survey, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the shaping of policies that will drive the sustainable development of the agri-food industry in Guyana,” it added.
As many as 13 agro-processing facilities were to come onstream in Guyana this year, in furtherance of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s push to increase food production in Guyana and the Caribbean Region as a whole. Such facilities have been established in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, and 10. Over 2500 farmers, agro-processors, wholesalers and retailers now have access to certified agro-processing facilities in their regions.
In September, a $23.3 million state-of-the-art agro-processing facility at Charity, Essequibo Coast, was commissioned and expected to benefit over 300 persons including women and youths.

The facility boasts an impressive production capacity projected at 24,000 litres of cassareep and 3600 litres of sauces and seasonings per month. Equipped with mixers, blenders, stoves, stainless steel containers, chillers, and mechanisation, it offers 24-hour service to ensure efficient processing.
One of the facility’s standout features is the solar dryer, which aids in the dehydration of carambola fruits and other commodities. This technology extends their shelf life and contributes to food security in the region.
Earlier that month, it was announced that 250 households in White Water Creek, North West District (NWD) and surrounding villages would soon benefit from a spanking new $25 million agro-processing facility. When it becomes operational, farmers will be able to advance their operations to a more commercialised value-added production and achieve sustainable economic growth through agro-processing. This will ensure that products, including cassava bread, farine, and cassareep will have easier access to markets.
Crabwood Creek and Orealla communities in Region Six will also benefit from the construction of processing facilities. With the commissioning of a $14 million agro-processing facility, over 200 Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine farmers also have the opportunity to add value to their produce.
Meanwhile, a $37 million state-of-the-art food processing factory commissioned at Fort Wellington in West Coast Berbice is benefitting about 700 persons from both Regions Five and Six.
In November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St Ignatius, Region Nine, for farmers to process their peanuts and cashew nuts.
Due to the large expenditures made in these sectors, the export revenue from agriculture-processed goods brought in $897 million for the nation, with a 61 per cent rise in export volume from 1071 metric tonnes in 2021 to 1724 metric tonnes in 2022. (G12)