FAO, NAREI complete rollout of smart farming training across Guyana 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), has completed a series of training sessions aimed at strengthening integrated crop production management and the use of digital sensor systems under protected cultivation.
The programme began at the Mangrove Centre in Mon Repos on May 19 and continued with practical field sessions in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). More than 90 participants, including farmers, extension officers and members of academia from six regions, took part in the initiative.

According to NAREI’s Head of Special Projects, Dr Ramnarace Sukhna, the collaboration is expected to improve technical capacity and support the expansion of protected agriculture across Guyana.
“This collaboration with FAO strengthens the technical capacities of our officers and farmers. The installation of sensors in regional model farms provides a strong foundation for scaling up protected agriculture and digital technologies nationwide,” Dr Sukhna said.
Protected cultivation systems such as greenhouses and shade houses are being promoted as part of efforts to advance climate-smart agriculture. The systems are designed to improve crop productivity and quality while reducing climate-related risks affecting farmers.

A key component of the training focused on the introduction of digital sensor technologies that allow real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light intensity and nutrient levels.
The technology supports more precise crop management by enabling farmers to make informed decisions based on data collected from the systems. For example, soil moisture data can be used to improve irrigation schedules, while temperature and humidity readings can help regulate ventilation and shading to reduce plant stress and disease.
According to a release from the FAO, participants also received training in greenhouse climate and crop management; irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management; pest and disease prevention; as well as the installation and operation of monitoring systems and data platforms.
During the regional practical sessions, participants assisted with the installation of sensors procured under the project at pilot greenhouses located at model farms in Regions Two, Five and Six.
Extension Officer from Region Six, Alvin Prabudial, said the sessions provided both theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to greenhouse and shade house production.

“The training was very good, not only the theory but also the practical experience of what is happening in real time as it really relates to our work, giving us new knowledge for us to advance greenhouse and shade house production,” he said.
Debbie Argyle of the Mahaica Women’s Group also welcomed the initiative, noting that the knowledge gained would be shared within her community.
“I am happy to be part of this training, which is very impactful, and I will be sharing this new knowledge of shade house monitoring with the members of my group and community,” Argyle said.
Assistant FAO Representative for Guyana, Gitanjali Chandarpal, said the integration of sensors and data-driven tools into greenhouse systems allows farmers and technical officers to better monitor conditions and make informed decisions that improve productivity and resilience.
FAO said the initiative supports the Government of Guyana’s efforts to modernise the agricultural sector through sustainable and technology-driven farming systems.