Guyana’s push to transform its livestock industry is yielding tangible results that promise long-term benefits for national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification. The latest figures from the Agriculture Ministry reflect meaningful progress and also a deliberate strategy to reduce food imports, strengthen rural economies, and build a more resilient domestic food system.
At the heart of this effort is the development of 28,000 acres of pasture across Regions Three, Five, Six, and 10. This move to expand grazing land is a strategic response to the long-standing challenge of limited feed and space for livestock rearing. It also signals the Government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable, modern industry with broad-based benefits.
Progress in the area of genetic improvement is especially notable. The embryo transfer programme, which has already recorded 238 confirmed pregnancies and 56 calf births, demonstrates the effective application of science and technology in livestock development. Such interventions are crucial for improving herd quality and productivity, ultimately boosting meat and dairy yields.
The Barbados Black Belly Sheep project is another area where results are materialising. With 1,000 sheep introduced and more than 500 lambs born to date, the initiative is expanding meat options while helping local farmers access improved breeding stock. The distribution of animals to over 150 farmers reflects a clear intent to share the benefits across the farming community, ensuring that national growth is inclusive and sustainable.
Similar momentum is evident in the country’s cattle and poultry subsectors. The birth of 245 calves from imported bulls and the production and distribution of over 116,000 Black Giant chickens point to a sector that is both scaling and diversifying. The Black Giants, capable of laying up to 200 eggs annually and providing substantial meat yields, offer a dual-purpose solution for small and medium-scale farmers alike.
Importantly, 144,886 broiler eggs were produced locally for the first time last year, a significant milestone that signals increasing self-reliance in poultry production. By building up local hatchery capacity, Guyana is better positioned to meet growing domestic demand without excessive dependence on imports.
Critical investments are also being made in infrastructure. The acquisition of a modular duck processing facility, capable of handling 500 to 600 birds per day, is a forward-thinking move that aligns production with international food safety and hygiene standards. The addition of new hatchers and incubators supports this effort and adds value to the growing duck industry.
Equally forward-looking is the promotion of tunnel-ventilated broiler pens. These climate-controlled systems not only improve biosecurity and animal welfare but also enhance productivity and disease management. With 15 pens already established, the foundation is being laid for a more modern and efficient poultry industry.
Taken together, these initiatives point to a livestock sector that is undergoing purposeful and structured development. This is about building the systems, infrastructure, and skills needed for long-term viability and ensuring that agriculture contributes meaningfully to job creation, rural stability, and economic diversification.
In a time of global food insecurity and supply chain disruptions, Guyana’s efforts to strengthen its local food production are both timely and necessary. The livestock industry, long overshadowed by extractive sectors, is proving to be an essential pillar in the broader national development agenda.
These investments deserve continued support and visibility. They offer a model of how targeted public sector leadership, grounded in data and long-term planning, can drive sustainable growth in agriculture.
As global supply chains remain volatile and food prices continue to fluctuate, investing in local production is both prudent and necessary. Guyana’s livestock sector can not only meet local demand but also contribute meaningfully to the regional food market.
