Govt moves to curb mass importation of fruits produced locally – Agri Minister

In an effort to bring more benefits to local farmers, the Guyana Government has taken a decision to curb the large-scale importation of fruits that are already being produced in the country.
This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who explained to Guyana Times on Wednesday that this position is not a ban but a move to ensure that Guyanese farmers get value and markets for their produce.
“I have asked the NPPO (National Plant Protection Organisation) not to issue permits to import fruits in large quantities that we are producing in Guyana, because it will affect the local farmers in terms of market,” the Agriculture Minister indicated.
The NPPO, an agency within the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), is responsible for issuing the mandatory import permits and phytosanitary clearance required to bring fresh fruits and regulated plant products into Guyana.
According to Mustapha, this restriction is not applicable to exotic fruits that are not produced in the country.
His remarks came on the heels of the launch of Agriculture Month 2026 on Wednesday. Commencing today, the month-long observance is being held under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.”

Regular farmers’ markets
The packed calendar of activities includes farmers’ markets, the inaugural Farmers’ Conference, the Annual Honey Fest, World Food Day activities and several other events showcasing the achievements and continued development of the sector.
Coinciding with the observance is the introduction of regular farmers’ markets as a means of improving the connection between producers and consumers while also ensuring citizens get access to affordable items directly from the source amidst rising market prices.
The first edition of this regular market model was held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday.
Speaking at Wednesday’s Agriculture Month launch, Mustapha said the initiative will become a regular feature during and beyond Agriculture Month.
“And I want to say that based on instruction from His Excellency [President Irfaan Ali] and the PPP/Civic Manifesto, the Ministry of Agriculture will launch its first Farmers’ Regular Weekly Market at Sophia every Wednesday. You are invited to go there, and you will have very cheap produce. And we will have a farmers’ market right across the country every month in various regions. So, this will be a regular feature,” the Minister noted.

Not getting rewards
The announcement of the regular farmers’ market comes as the Minister acknowledges a concern at the other end of the agricultural value chain, the returns farmers receive after putting their time and resources into production.
“Let me tell you what, we are producing; we are producing a lot of food. Farmers are early in the field and late in the evening; they are still in the field. But sometimes they are not getting the kind of reward that they have to get. And the people who don’t do anything are reaping the reward. We must now allow the farmers to get their benefit and get their reward,” he stated.
Meanwhile, as the El Niño conditions loom, Mustapha says farmers must be prepared for the changing weather patterns, noting that food security cannot be separated from the changing climate. These include a possible drier period and higher temperatures both at night and day.
According to the Agriculture Minister, farmers are already operating in an environment of extreme weather, while international supply chains and commodity prices remain vulnerable to global developments.
He pointed out that Guyana is not immune to those pressures and is therefore placing greater emphasis on preparedness, water management and production methods that can withstand changing conditions.
“The effects of changing weather patterns, including the prospect of drier periods and higher temperatures associated with the current El Niño conditions, remind us of the importance of preparedness, effective water management, and climate-resilient agriculture. However, despite these challenges, Guyana continues to demonstrate the strength and resilience of its agricultural sector and its capacity to safeguard food security,” the Minister stated.
Nevertheless, Mustapha said the activities planned for Agriculture Month will provide important platforms for knowledge sharing, strengthening market linkages and showcasing the work of the country’s farmers, fisherfolk, livestock producers, agro-processors and other stakeholders who continue to contribute to Guyana’s agricultural development.
The month-long observance will celebrate the progress made across the sector while highlighting the innovation, technology and investments that are helping to build a stronger and more sustainable Guyana.