Game-changer for Guyana’s rice industry as nano fertiliser launched

…innovation will boost yields, lower costs, and modernise agriculture – Mustapha

Guyana’s rice industry is set for a major transformation with the introduction of Nano Urea Fertiliser – a development that Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has hailed as a game changer, promising lower production costs, improved soil health, and higher yields nationwide.

Speaking at the Rice Research Station at Burma, Mahaicony, Mustapha said the new fertiliser represents another milestone in the Government’s effort to modernise agriculture and equip farmers with cutting-edge technology.
“This partnership between the GRDB [Guyana Rice Development Board] and the Government of Guyana to launch this product will be a game-changer for the industry… We must change the way we do things. If we can do that, we will have better yields, better production, and larger profit margins.”
He pointed out that the nano fertiliser’s advantages, including reduced input costs, ease of transportation, and environmentally friendly application, will help the sector remain competitive regionally and internationally.
Guyana’s rice production has grown steadily, from 559,789 tonnes in 2021 to 725,282 tonnes in 2024, with projections to reach 820,000 tonnes by the end of 2025. Mustapha credited this growth to the Government’s sustained investment in agricultural research and innovation.
“This launch reflects our Government’s belief that farmers must benefit first from innovation… We are modernising agriculture to enhance productivity and lower costs.”
He also announced plans to establish a local fertiliser plant, which would further cut expenses for farmers and strengthen national food security.
Under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, Guyana continues to play a leading role in CARICOM’s initiative to reduce the regional food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030.
“Agriculture is central to food security not only for Guyana but for the region. With continued support and innovation, our farmers will help make the 25 by 2030 target a reality.”
Nano fertiliser is a product of India and signals the collaborative efforts of the two Governments toward ensuring food security. India has committed to providing technical support and other assistance to boost Guyana’s agricultural industry.
Speaking at Tuesday’s event, Director of the Industrial Energy Efficiency Division at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr G R Narsimha Rao, said the company is grateful to the Government of Guyana and the Minister of Agriculture for their unwavering support in advancing innovative technologies within the agricultural sector.
He noted that Guyana has expressed its readiness to establish a local production facility, which will ensure a sustainable and continuous supply of nano fertilisers (including nano urea) in Guyana.
“The introduction and use of Nano Power Nano Urea mark a transformative step toward sustainable farming.
With each application, our farmers are not only embracing smart agriculture but are also actively contributing to the goals of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and the global fight against climate change,” he said. (Andrew Carmichael)