Govt invests in livestock sector, small farmers to propel local growth

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) highlighted the Government’s efforts to continue supporting locals and propel growth in the livestock sector by 7.5 per cent in 2025.
A grand $1.7 billion budget was designated to bring this goal to fruition and further build on the tremendous accomplishments achieved in 2024.
Upon assuming office in 2020, the Government embarked on a comprehensive plan to radically transform the sector and reverse the damage left after years of neglect by the previous administration.
During their tenure, the former Government left acres of cattle pastureland to overgrow, neglected farmers’ needs, and failed to acquire sufficient resources and research among numerous other detrimental actions.

However, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has implemented scores of transformational strategic initiatives to revitalise the sector and open the door to economic prosperity for farmers nationwide.
According to the DPI, a particularly commendable undertaking was the Broiler Breeder Project which boasted unprecedented achievements in 2024.
For the first time, Guyana produced 167,000 hatching eggs, providing resources to 5,566 farmers.
Minister Mustapha explained the vitality of this project saying “this project targets self-sufficiency of Broiler hatching eggs to address uncertainty in supply with the recent avian influenza outbreak.”
He further emphasised how an allocated $85 million in Budget 2025 will propel this project’s advancement.
“In 2025, the broiler breeding facility will be further expanded with the procurement and installation of additional incubators and there will be established poultry zones for improved biosecurity and economies of scale,” he said.

The Government’s focus extended beyond implementing grand investments and reached to assisting small-scale farmers.
Guyana has received 1,000 sheep and increased lamb stocks by 715 lambs through the Barbados Black Belly Sheep Project.
Through this Government intervention, numerous farmers in every region witnessed their yields expanding and, in some cases, doubling.
Farmers like 64-year-old Jacob Sheperd, and single parent Yvonne Morris, were able to develop their flock and improve their breeding.
The Government ensures investments in the livestock sector by providing assistance and resources to Guyanese farmers, which help bolster their agricultural activities, the report also noted.