Govt expands aquaculture with new shrimp project in Reg 2

…eyes $545,000 earnings every 6 weeks for farmers

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday launched a new brackish-water shrimp farming project in Region Two, describing the initiative as another step toward expanding Guyana’s aquaculture industry and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.
During the launch, held at the Anna Regina Town Council’s compound, Mustapha highlighted the success of a similar programme already underway in Region Six, which he said has grown into one of the country’s most notable agricultural achievements.

According to the Agriculture Minister, the Region Six initiative has flourished due to continued Government investment, technical assistance, farmer training and improvements to key infrastructure, all of which have helped establish a sustainable shrimp-farming industry.
He noted that farmers involved in the project have been recording encouraging production levels. With shrimp currently selling for more than $1000 per pound, each production cycle can generate about $40,000. After production costs are deducted, farmers are still able to earn an estimated $545,000 every six weeks.
Mustapha stressed that the project represents more than agricultural production, noting that it also plays an important role in improving livelihoods.
“This project is not just aquaculture; it represents economic empowerment and sustainable income for communities… It is livelihood transformed,” the Minister told those gathered.
The Agriculture Minister also revealed that two machines will be deployed to assist with the establishment of the shrimp-farming project on the Essequibo Coast. Once preparatory works begin, he said individual ponds can be developed within approximately two months.
Farmers were encouraged to organise themselves into groups to participate in the programme, with the Ministry pledging to work closely with them to implement a structured plan that will ensure the project is rolled out efficiently.
Also attending the launching were Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Mandalall Ramraj; representatives within the Agriculture Ministry; Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Tamesh Ramnauth; representatives from NAREI and GRDB, among other regional officials.