Government, farmers kickstart mega crop project in Corentyne

…to develop 35,000 acres for cane, citrus, coconuts

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has assured that the Government is working with cane farmers to develop 35,000 acres for the cultivation of cane, citrus, and coconuts. The announcement came on Monday during a meeting with Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, and a group of cane farmers from the Corentyne Coast, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to fully utilise arable lands and increase agricultural productivity. Referring to instructions received from President Dr Irfaan Ali, Mustapha explained the Government’s plan to collaborate with farmers. “Last week, President Ali met with a number of cane farmers from the Upper Corentyne area and instructed that I, along with other Ministers, work with the groups. We have several farmers who indicated interest in returning to cane cultivation, while others expressed a desire to cultivate citrus and coconuts.”
According to the Minister, they have already undertaken the initial works needed to carry out this project. We’ve already begun mapping the area to conduct necessary soil testing. We’ve also engaged the private sector to construct a juice plant so that the citrus being planted can be extracted and processed into juices,” he noted. Lending his perspective on Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) plans for sugarcane cultivation in Skeldon, Minister Mustapha provided an update on the expected acreage.
“GuySuCo has already started cultivating cane in Skeldon. By the end of November, they are expected to cultivate approximately 1,000 hectares, with the eventual target being 5,000 hectares at Skeldon. In addition, with the involvement of farmers who have between 10,000 to 12,000 acres, cane cultivation is set to see a turnaround in the area,” he added. Mustapha also outlined Government support for infrastructure projects to aid agricultural development. Highlighting the Moleson Creek road upgrade, he said, “Farmers had requested that we upgrade the Moleson Creek road to an all-weather road. The contract has been awarded for the 18-kilometre (km) road at a cost of just over $800 million. This is one of the main projects in the area and is expected to commence shortly. The Ministry will also work with farmers to develop all main drainage canals and other infrastructure to enhance the area,” Mustapha stated. Last Wednesday, President Ali personally met with a group of cane farmers at the Skeldon Estate, emphasising that Government investments must translate into tangible productivity gains.
Outlining his vision for a multi-crop agricultural model, he said “we are moving towards a system where traditional sugarcane cultivation can co-exist with high-value crops such as citrus. This transition will be guided by scientific planning, supported by modern technology, and driven by market needs,” the President told the farmers. Only recently, President Ali outlined ambitious plans for crop diversification and agro-processing in Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), including the establishment of a juice factory in partnership with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). Speaking during a meeting with private cane farmers and rice farmers, President Ali explained that several options are being explored for Skeldon’s agricultural future. Among them is the establishment of a juice plant by DDL, which has expressed willingness to invest once farmers commit to citrus cultivation. According to Ali, DDL has signalled that such a plant could be operational in as little as 8–12 months, using citrus varieties capable of reaching production within 18 months.