Brackish water shrimp to become latest aquaculture industry – Agri Minister

…over $600 million already invested in brackish water shrimp programme

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the Government is pushing to ensure that Brackish water shrimp production in Guyana becomes an industry. He disclosed this on Saturday while meeting with brackish water shrimp farmers from Albion, to discuss the progress of the project. Brackish water shrimp production in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) of Guyana has emerged as a promising component of the country’s aquaculture development strategy. The region’s coastal geography, with its mix of freshwater and saline water sources, provides ideal conditions for cultivating species such as Penaeus vannamei (White leg shrimp). Some local farmers have increasingly turned to brackish water shrimp farming as a means of diversifying their income, especially in the face of challenges within the traditional rice and sugar industries.

With support from Government initiatives and technical assistance from international partners, shrimp farms have been established or rehabilitated across coastal communities, helping to revitalise livelihoods and stimulate rural economies.
Over $600 million has already been invested in the brackish water shrimp programme, moving national production from 10,000 kg in 2020 to an impressive 120,000 kg today.
On Saturday, the Agriculture Minister told farmers that the Government acknowledged that while significant strides have been made between 2020 and 2025, several unresolved issues must be urgently addressed to ensure the project’s continued growth and sustainability. Concerns were raised about inconsistent operator performance, lack of adequate supervision, and the need for fair distribution of resources.
Officials emphasised that all stakeholders who were initially part of the programme must have their work completed, and a comprehensive report is expected within a week.
The Government also committed to addressing infrastructural bottlenecks, such as sluice rehabilitation, and to ensuring value for public investment, especially as shrimp prices remain high despite increased production. The brackish water shrimp programme in Region Six has not only transformed the local aquaculture landscape but has also inspired interest across Guyana and even internationally. Due to its success, similar projects are now being considered in Regions Two, Four, and Five, with surveys already completed in some areas. Remarkably, the model has also attracted attention from the Government of Barbados, which has begun implementing its own brackish water shrimp farms based on the Guyanese example. Addressing farmers on Saturday, Mustapha highlighted that this project is part of a broader national strategy to achieve food security, economic diversification, and rural development. The administration’s efforts go beyond aquaculture, including massive investments in health, education, infrastructure, and energy – initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.
“This is one of the most successful projects we’ve launched, but it is not just about shrimp, it is about building an economy that benefits every Guyanese family. We are not investing for a few; we are investing so the entire country benefits,” the Minister added.